Learning & Development Team Leader
// Role Summary
Lead the learning and development initiatives for a major aerospace manufacturer, shaping the future capability of their workforce through early careers programmes and leadership development.
// Key Responsibilities
- Lead Early Careers programmes (apprenticeships, work experience, STEM).
- Design and deliver management and leadership development.
- Partner with leaders to identify capability needs and skill plans.
- Collaborate with Technical Training School for programme delivery.
- Lead and develop the Learning & Development team.
// Role Specification
About Prestwick Aerosystems
Join one of Ayrshire’s largest engineering employers. Prestwick Aerosystems continues Ayrshire's longstanding aircraft manufacturing heritage by producing major wing structures for Airbus programmes worldwide. As we grow, developing our people's capability is central to our success.
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic Learning & Development Team Leader to help shape the future capability of our workforce. This high-impact leadership role focuses on developing talent throughout the employee lifecycle, with responsibility for Early Careers programmes, management development, and overall workforce capability. You will ensure our people possess the necessary technical skills, leadership qualities, and development opportunities to support future business growth.
Working collaboratively with leaders across the organisation, the Technical Training School, HR colleagues, and Talent Acquisition, you will lead and inspire the Learning & Development team. Your focus will be on shaping learning initiatives that strengthen capability, accelerate career development, and build the future leaders of Prestwick Aerosystems. This is a hands-on role combining strategic leadership with practical delivery, comfortable in facilitating workshops, delivering training, and supporting the Technical Training School to ensure a high-quality learning experience.
How You Will Contribute
- Lead the learning and development aspects of our Early Careers programmes, including apprenticeships, work experience, and STEM engagement activities, collaborating with Talent Acquisition and operational stakeholders.
- Design, deliver, and facilitate engaging management and leadership development programmes to strengthen capability and support organisational growth.
- Partner with business leaders and the Technical Training School to identify capability needs, develop workforce skills plans, support technical skills development, and contribute to succession planning.
- Work collaboratively with the Technical Training team to support the effective delivery of technical training programmes and provide leadership and operational support to the Technical Training School.
- Act as a key partner to the Technical Training Centre, ensuring continuity of leadership and support, and contributing to the ongoing development of technical capability.
- Lead and develop the Learning & Development team, manage training investment, and ensure learning solutions deliver measurable business value.
Requirements for the Role
- A relevant professional or vocational qualification in learning, training, organisational development, or a related discipline.
- Experience leading learning and development activity within a technical, engineering, manufacturing, or operational environment, including workforce skills and capability development.
- Experience developing and delivering Early Careers, apprenticeship, graduate, or structured development programmes.
- Experience designing, facilitating, and delivering management, leadership, or organisational capability development initiatives.
- Confidence and credibility in front of groups, with the ability to engage learners, facilitate workshops, and deliver training to employees at all levels.
- Experience working collaboratively with technical training teams and supporting technical learning environments.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, including developing learning materials and creating engaging presentations/workshops using PowerPoint or similar platforms.
- Ability to build strong stakeholder relationships, influence at all levels, and translate business needs into effective learning solutions.
What We Offer
- 37-hour week with a half-day Friday.
- Defined contribution pension (4% employee / 8% employer).
- 33 days annual leave (rising with service).
- Annual bonus linked to company performance.
- Opportunity to participate in the Airbus employee share purchase scheme.
- Life assurance (4x basic salary).
- Virtual GP service and wellbeing support.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Free onsite parking.
What Happens Next
If you are ready to develop future leaders, enhance workforce capability, and play a hands-on role in shaping learning, leadership, and technical skills development within a leading aerospace manufacturing business, we encourage you to apply. Applications are subject to standard pre-employment checks, including Right to Work, employment references, Disclosure Scotland, and a pre-employment medical (including drug and alcohol testing).
Prestwick Aerosystems is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity and an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief.