About Company
Blanket Mine (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc, is a well-established and highly profitable gold mine situated in Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe. With a rich history spanning decades, Blanket Mine is committed to operational excellence, sustainable mining practices, and making a significant contribution to the local economy and community. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. As a key player in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, we are dedicated to developing our workforce, empowering our employees through training, and ensuring a robust talent pipeline for future growth. Our commitment extends beyond production, focusing on the welfare and professional advancement of our diverse team, ensuring we remain a preferred employer in the region.
Job Description
Blanket Mine (Private) Limited, a leading gold producer and a cornerstone of the Matabeleland South economy, is seeking an exceptionally talented and visionary Director of Learning & Development to lead our talent enhancement initiatives. This pivotal leadership role will be instrumental in shaping our organizational culture of continuous learning, professional growth, and strategic workforce development across all levels of the company. As the Director of Learning & Development, you will hold ultimate responsibility for conceptualizing, designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive learning strategies and robust programs that not only align with our overarching strategic objectives but also directly address the unique operational demands and future growth trajectory of our mining enterprise. This role demands a proactive leader who can anticipate talent needs and cultivate a high-performance, safety-conscious culture.
You will be a key strategic partner to our senior leadership team, collaborating closely to identify critical skill gaps across technical, operational, and managerial domains, forecast future talent requirements driven by technological advancements and market shifts, and develop innovative, scalable solutions to empower our employees. Your mandate will extend beyond traditional training; it encompasses fostering a dynamic ecosystem where every employee is encouraged to grow, adapt, and excel. You will champion a data-driven approach to L&D, meticulously evaluating the efficacy and impact of all programs, and adeptly adapting strategies to ensure maximum return on investment and demonstrable improvements in productivity, safety, and employee engagement. From bespoke leadership development pathways designed for our supervisory and management teams, highly specialized technical skills training crucial for our mining operations, and essential compliance programs, to nuanced soft skills enhancement that promotes teamwork and effective communication, you will build a robust and agile framework that supports individual career progression, bolsters organizational resilience, and secures our long-term success. Furthermore, you will be at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge learning technologies and digital platforms to deliver engaging, accessible, and scalable learning experiences that cater to a diverse workforce. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, results-oriented leader with a proven, extensive track record in successfully developing and executing world-class learning programs within a complex, demanding industrial environment, with a strong preference for experience in the mining or heavy industry sector. Join Blanket Mine and play a transformative role in shaping the future capabilities of our workforce, contributing directly to our operational excellence and sustained success in Zimbabwe’s vital mining sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive Learning & Development strategy aligned with Blanket Mine's overall business objectives and future growth plans, with a focus on operational excellence and safety.
- Lead the design, development, and delivery of innovative learning programs, including technical, leadership, compliance, and professional development training tailored for the mining industry.
- Conduct regular and thorough training needs analyses across all departments to identify critical skill gaps and forecast future capability requirements based on industry trends and technological advancements.
- Manage the L&D budget, resources, and external vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective, high-quality, and impactful learning solutions.
- Oversee the implementation and optimization of learning technologies (e.g., Learning Management Systems – LMS) to enhance learning accessibility, engagement, and robust tracking.
- Establish clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all L&D programs, reporting regularly on their effectiveness, impact on employee performance, and contribution to business outcomes.
- Mentor, coach, and develop a small team of L&D professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within the department.
- Collaborate strategically with HR, Operations, Safety, and other departmental heads to seamlessly integrate L&D initiatives with broader talent management strategies, including succession planning and performance management.
- Ensure all learning programs comply with relevant national and international industry regulations, stringent safety standards, and company policies, particularly within the mining sector.
- Champion a continuous learning culture throughout the organization, actively promoting self-directed learning, knowledge sharing, and professional curiosity among all employees.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 15 years progressive experience in Learning & Development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or director-level role.
- Proven track record of successfully designing, implementing, and evaluating large-scale L&D programs in a complex organizational setting, ideally within a heavy industrial or mining context.
- Strong understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), and modern learning technologies.
- Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, persuade, and engage diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, meticulous budget management, and effective vendor negotiations.
- Proficiency in utilizing Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other digital learning tools to deliver blended learning solutions.
- Ability to work effectively and thrive in a demanding, fast-paced industrial environment, with a practical understanding of operational challenges and safety protocols.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, derive actionable insights, and make data-driven decisions regarding L&D strategy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
- Extensive experience specifically within the mining or heavy industrial sector.
- Professional certifications in Learning & Development (e.g., CPLP, ATD certifications) or Project Management.
- Familiarity with Zimbabwean labor laws, training regulations, and local educational frameworks.
- Experience with change management methodologies and their practical application in driving organizational learning.
Perks & Benefits
- Highly competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and wellness benefits package for you and your family.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation and public holidays.
- Robust retirement savings plan with significant company contributions.
- Exceptional opportunities for continuous professional development, executive coaching, and leadership training.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates moving to the Gwanda area.
- The opportunity to contribute significantly to a stable and growing organization in a critical national industry.
How to Apply
If you are a results-oriented Learning & Development leader ready to make a significant and lasting impact within a leading mining company, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your detailed resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience, strategic approach to learning and development within an industrial context, and your qualifications by clicking the application link below. Only shortlisted candidates who meet the specified criteria will be contacted for an interview.