Learning & Development Manager

About the Company

The Orchard Care Group is a wholly owned Irish company that provides services to children and young adults in the care and disability sectors. Operating nationwide the group comprises Orchard Community Care, Orchard Fostering and Orchard Residential Care.

Our Vision at Orchard Care Group is that the people we support live meaningful lives through our high-quality model of excellent care, within our positive, collaborative, values-based culture. Our Values are Advocacy, Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, and Human Rights.

About the Role

Reporting to the Group Director of Human Resources, the Learning and Development Manager is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and governance of all training and professional development programmes within the company. The role ensures full organisational compliance with all regulatory, statutory, and industry training requirements, manages a structured training framework covering mandatory certifications, maintains a centralised compliance matrix, and aligns with HIQA & TUSLA standards, health and safety regulations, and client requirements.

He/she oversees all training and learning opportunities in collaboration with key departments, ensuring employees are competent before undertaking duties and that all content reflects current legislation and best practice. The role maintains accurate training records, monitors compliance performance, identifies risks and ensures audit readiness. Additionally, the role supports employee development through structured learning pathways and career progression frameworks, leads the training team, engages stakeholders, and manages external training providers to ensure quality, consistency, and continuous improvement across the organisation.

The training delivered meets:

• HSE requirements
• HIQA & TUSLA standards (where applicable)
• Irish employment and health & safety legislation
• Best practice in learning and social care service delivery

Key Responsibilities

• Mandatory & Core Training Oversight & Compliance
• Induction & Onboarding
• Employees Development & Career Pathways
• Embedding Company Values
• Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

About the Ideal Candidate Essential Criteria

• Level 7 or above qualification in Healthcare Management, Human Resources, Training & Development, Social Care, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years management experience in a similar or relevant role.
• Experience managing and developing compliance systems and training matrices.
• Knowledge of Irish healthcare legislation and relevant standards.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience in the use of HRIS.
• Proficient in MS packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint portals, Dynamics 365.
• Proficient in documentation and record-keeping, with attention to detail.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritise workload, and work under pressure.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to set clear objectives and work systematically.
• Ability to generate reports and collate and analyse data.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Desirable Experience

• Recognised Training Qualification (e.g., Train the Trainer, QQI Level 6).
• Relevant experience in a social care or healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of Irish healthcare legislation and relevant standards.

Additional Requirements

• Full current driving license with full eligibility to drive in Ireland, and access to a vehicle.
• Flexibility to travel between service locations.
• Full eligibility and availability to work in Ireland.
• Full valid Garda Vetting/Police Clearance.

Benefits

• Orchard Values Champion Awards
• EAP Scheme
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Ongoing mentoring and support from an experienced team
• Continuous Professional Development support
• Higher Education Bursary
• Career progression opportunities
• Refer a friend initiative
• Employee Assistance Programme for staff and their families