Position: Learning & Development Lead
Location: Labman HQ, Stokesley, North Yorkshire
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 (based on experience)
Employment Type: Full-Time (Monday - Friday 37.5hrs)
About the Role
At Labman Automation, we design and build bespoke robotic systems that enable science through technology.
We’re looking for an experienced Learning & Development Lead to establish and shape our L&D function as we continue to grow.
We already have strong technical knowledge across the business and a comprehensive range of technical training resources. What we now need is someone who can bring structure, consistency and direction to how we develop people across the business - building on our existing technical capability while strengthening development in leadership, communication and broader professional skills. This role is about bringing that together into a coherent, scalable approach.
You’ll define the L&D strategy, put the right frameworks and tools in place, and work closely with leaders across the business to identify skills gaps and build clear development pathways. Alongside this, you’ll be hands-on in delivery - designing and facilitating engaging training sessions (around 25% of your time).
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys both building and doing: shaping an L&D function that fits a highly technical, non-corporate environment, while personally delivering high-quality learning experiences.
What You’ll Do:
- Build and own the company-wide L&D strategy, aligned to business goals and growth plans
- Set up and refine L&D processes, tools and ways of working as the function grows
- Lead Training Needs Analysis across all departments and create role/team/individual learning plans
- Manage the L&D budget, external training providers, and develop internal facilitators
- Measure learning impact using clear metrics/KPIs (e.g., time-to-competence, completion, leadership effectiveness)
- Partner with engineering and functional leaders to support technical training and development pathways
- Support creation/improvement of competence frameworks where needed
- Design and deliver programmes that strengthen leadership and people skills (coaching, feedback, communication, leading teams)
- Support managers with practical tools for objectives, reviews and team development
- Work closely with our In Education Coordinator supporting apprentices/HNC/HND/degree learning pathways and college
- Own and evolve onboarding so new starters integrate quickly and effectively
- Promote a culture of learning through knowledge-sharing, mentoring and employee-led learning clubs
What You’ll Need:
- Proven experience developing and implementing an L&D strategy within an organisation
- Experience establishing L&D approaches/practice in a growing business (ideally 150–350 people
- Confidence designing technical upskilling and professional/leadership development programmes
- Strong facilitation and presentation skills - able to deliver interactive, engaging training
- Pragmatic, creative approach suited to a high-growth, non-corporate environment
- Comfortable using data and feedback to evaluate and improve learning initiatives
- Understanding of adult learning principles and modern L&D methods/tech
Desirable:
- Background in engineering, technology or complex environments
- Experience supporting early-career development
- CIPD qualification
Company Benefits:
- 33 days annual holiday (rising to 38 over 5 years) inc. public holidays
- Private Healthcare with Aviva
- 5% employer pension (no upper earnings cap)
- Travel opportunities in various roles
- Enhanced maternity pay (long service applicable)
- Enhanced paternity leave
- CPD support and annual subscription to appropriate body covered
- Free in-house gym, squash, bouldering wall, and countless clubs
Labman Values:
In it together – We’re a team; a community of mutual support
Excellence – Working and delivering at the very highest quality
Humility – Respecting yourself and others
Sustainability – Recognition that we have an impact on our planet, our company and our community
Fun – Enjoyment in your work
Skills Required
- Proven experience developing and implementing an L&D strategy
- Experience building L&D approaches in a growing business
- Strong facilitation and presentation skills
- Understanding of adult learning principles
- CIPD qualification
What We Do
Labman Automation is a leading designer and manufacturer of custom laboratory automation and robotics based in Stokesley, North Yorkshire. Founded more than 35 years ago, Labman has a strong reputation for quality products designed and built by a competent team of professional engineers with excellent customer service. All of our products are custom designed and made for their final application with ISO 13458 and ISO 9001 compliance. Labman supply custom robotics to customers worldwide with a strong presence in the European and North American markets. For graduate opportunities and open positions at Labman please visit: https://www.labmanautomation.com/jobs
