At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Learning & Development strategy and create impactful talent solutions.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing, ambitious organisation in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of talent development and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in L&D, leadership development, and performance management.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Head of Learning & Development - Antrim - Exciting company growth phase.
MCS Group is delighted to be exclusively partnering with one of Northern Ireland's most ambitious organisations in the appointment of a Head of L&D.
The role: The Head of L&D will bring together Learning & Development, Early Careers, Management Development and Performance Management into one cohesive talent strategy.
This is not a role focused on simply delivering a training calendar.
The successful candidate will assess the capabilities the organisation needs now and in the future, identify genuine gaps and implement practical, measurable solutions across a fast-paced operational workforce.
The main responsibilities: Developing an evidence-based talent and capability strategy aligned with the organisation's three-to-five-year growth plan.
Creating capability frameworks, career pathways, succession plans and clear progression criteria.
Designing and implementing leadership and management development from first-line supervisor through to senior leadership.
Improving the quality and consistency of performance conversations, objective setting, feedback, coaching and development planning.
Owning and continuously improving the organisation's performance management framework.
Leading the Learning & Development strategy, budget, supplier base and learning governance.
Measuring learning through behaviour change and business impact rather than attendance figures alone.
Developing the Early Careers strategy across apprenticeships, graduates, placements, internships and school engagement.
Overseeing apprenticeship providers, funding, compliance, mentoring, progression and completion.
Building sustainable pipelines into technical, engineering and leadership careers.
Establishing talent reviews and succession planning for critical and hard-to-fill roles.
Leading and developing a specialist team.
Creating a scalable talent operating model capable of supporting future international growth.
The successful candidate: Experience assessing organisational capability and implementing solutions that measurably closed identified gaps.
Ownership or significant improvement of a performance management framework.
A strong track record in leadership and management development.
Experience improving manager behaviour and the quality of performance conversations.
Involvement in apprenticeship, graduate or wider Early Careers programmes.
Experience leading and developing a specialist team.
Strong commercial awareness and the ability to connect talent activity with business performance.
Credibility when influencing senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
Excellent facilitation, coaching and programme-design capability.
What's on offer: Highly competitive salary (based on salary).
Bonus.
Hybrid working.
Flexible hours.
Enhanced wider benefits.
To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided or contact Rebekah Mulligan, HR Recruitment Manager at MCS Group on Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are.
Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs MCS Group - Proud CIPD NI HR Awards Headline Sponsor 2026 MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation, if you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.
Skills: L&D Advisor L&D Manager Learning and Development L&D Talent Head of Talent TPBN1_NI
Head of L&D in Antrim employer: MCS Group
MCS Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where technical expertise meets customer service excellence. With a strong commitment to employee growth, comprehensive training, and a supportive team culture, this role as a Field Telecoms Engineer provides the opportunity to work on critical infrastructure projects while enjoying the benefits of a competitive salary and company vehicle. Located in Northern Ireland, MCS fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of L&D in Antrim
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at MCS Group!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at MCS Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of L&D in Antrim
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at MCS Group. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to MCS Group and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at MCS Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to MCS Group's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with MCS Group.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at MCS Group will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact MCS Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
