Learning & Development Specialist (12-Month Contract)

About Abbott in Ireland

Established in 1946, Abbott serves the Irish healthcare market with a broad portfolio of products. The company employs approximately 6,000 individuals across multiple locations including Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford, and Sligo.

The Diabetes Care division in Donegal Town produces FreeStyle blood glucose test strips and FreeStyle Sensors, integral to diabetes management. Key brands include FreeStyle Precision, FreeStyle Lite, and the FreeStyle Libre system.

Note: Employment offers are contingent upon passing a pre-employment medical examination, which includes drug and alcohol screening conducted by a company-appointed medical practitioner.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Operational Excellence Manager, this role will steer the site’s Learning & Development activities. The specialist will drive the delivery of the ADC Donegal Learning & Development Strategy, talent growth initiatives, workforce skills enhancement, and Operational Excellence educational programs.

The position demands collaboration with Site Leadership, HR, managers, and employees across functions to cultivate a workforce prepared for future demands through leadership development, continuous learning, and career advancement efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement the ADC Donegal Learning & Development Strategy, aligning skill-enhancement initiatives with workforce planning, business goals, and the site’s 2028 vision.
• Foster continuous learning culture via dynamic communications, development programs across the site, and utilization of communication platforms like AD Connect.
• Oversee end-to-end management of learning programs including planning, engaging stakeholders, communication, certification, reporting, and ongoing improvement.
• Coordinate talent, leadership, and early career development activities to boost organizational capabilities and succession planning.
• Lead and refine Lean Six Sigma Academy programs (Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Operational Excellence) for consistent advancement.
• Conduct learning needs assessments and capability evaluations to identify development priorities and relevant educational solutions.
• Assist in creating capability frameworks, learning pathways, and skills strategies to promote employee development and organizational success.
• Build and maintain partnerships with training providers, educational institutions, and industry entities to enhance workforce development.
• Manage external funding programs, such as IDA-funded trainings, ensuring compliance, accurate reporting, and readiness for audits.
• Administer learning systems and program metrics, utilizing data and participant feedback to assess effectiveness and encourage continuous enhancement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Preferably hold a third-level qualification in Learning & Development, Human Resources, Business, Organisational Development, or related field.
• Possess a minimum of six years of experience in Learning & Development, Human Resources, Organisational Development, or related business environments with a strong focus on learning initiatives.
• Skilled in leading workshops, training programs, and development interventions.
• Exemplary communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and programs concurrently.
• Experience using Microsoft Forms, SharePoint, Power BI, and various learning technologies.