Dairygold Co-Operative Society Limited is pleased to invite applications for the position of Group Learning and Development Specialist. Based at Mitchelstown Head Office, the role will report directly to the Group Head of Human Resources. This is a specified Purpose contract to cover Maternity leave.
Role overview:
The role will be responsible for the development and co-ordination of Learning & Development programmes and initiatives as part of Dairygold’s People and Culture strategy to attract, develop and retain talent. The role will continue the promotion of a Learning and Development culture within Dairygold and will have responsibility for all Learning and Development initiatives and programmes coordinated by the Group HR function.
Core responsibilities
Strategy
- Implement the Group Learning and Development Strategy promoting best practice training and development processes and systems to support successful delivery of organisational objectives in line with agreed annual budget
- Implement agreed Talent management priorities aimed at attracting, retaining, and developing talent in line with the Society’s People and Culture Strategy.
Learning & Development
- Review and update the Learning Needs Analysis and deliver follow up training initiatives to support continuous learning.
- Manage the Company’s Learning Management system and implement on-line learning solutions that enable employees to avail of learning opportunities.
- Support the implementation and roll-out of mentoring and coaching initiatives and training plans to enhance performance and support employees to realise their potential.
- Implement the roll-out of training to support the implementation of organisational change and new ways of working.
- Support the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion agenda across all HR processes (recruitment, talent management, culture initiatives etc.) to ensure employees feel valued for their contribution.
- Report on metrics that evaluate training delivery outcomes against achievement of business objectives to enable continuous development and improvements of training and return on investment.
- Source appropriate third party funding to support the Society deliver quality training programmes to deliver enhanced employee and business performance
Talent management
- Partner with the business to understand future talent capabilities and skills required to address organisational and performance opportunities and challenges.
- Improve current integrated talent management process, including performance management, Personnel Development Plans (PDP) and career development processes leading to quality Succession management planning
- Enable the delivery of a future talent pipeline for business-critical roles.
These responsibilities will be delivered by working with senior management to:
- Understand business priorities and diagnose learning and organisational development needs.
- Ensure development opportunities are identified and strategically applied.
- Design customised and blended learning and development programmes that optimise employee performance, maximise people potential and engagement in their respective disciplines.
Candidates for this position should possess:
- A relevant Third level qualification in a HR or Organisational Development discipline.
- At least four years’ experience in a similar role focused on learning and development.
- A well-grounded understanding of contemporary Human Resource Development processes and initiatives.
- A proven track record of managing talent strategies to develop and grow internal capability and skills/ competencies.
- A broad commercial awareness with a good understanding of business.
- Excellent administration, organisation and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet challenging deadlines.
- Strong relationship building and communications skills.
- Excellent presentation, project management and influencing skills.
- A professional and confidential approach.
- A positive and flexible can-do attitude and self-starting ability, with an aptitude to take ownership of projects as required.
- Excellent listening skills with strong attention to detail.
- Excellent IT skills, with a strong knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite and proficiency in the use of Learning Management Systems
This is an excellent development opportunity to enhance Dairygold’s people development strategy. If you feel that you have the required levels of people and technical competencies for this role, please forward a cover letter of application together with a current CV to Adrian Beatty, Group Head of Human Resources (adrianbeatty@dairygold.ie ) no later than close of business on Friday 12th June 2026.
A full role profile is available on request. All enquiries, applications and proceedings are treated as strictly confidential.
Dairygold is committed to a work environment that promotes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We believe that embracing Diversity in the workplace benefits the organisation.
Dairygold Co-Operative Society Limited is an equal opportunities employer**.**
