Learning & Development Manager

Role overview

Pacific National is seeking an accomplished Learning & Development Manager to lead national technical and accredited training delivery in a permanent full-time position based at the North Sydney head office. The role is open to candidates located in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.

This position is responsible for ensuring all technical and accredited learning is delivered in a compliant, efficient, and cost-effective way across the business. A major part of the role is overseeing the Registered Training Organisation (RTO), finding opportunities to simplify and standardise learning through technology, and building a scalable capability model for current and future workforce needs.

Working with internal and external stakeholders, you will help ensure training remains operationally relevant, compliant with requirements, and financially worthwhile. The role also influences the new starter journey, shortens the path to competency, and supports operational and commercial objectives.

This is a national leadership position focused on innovation and transformation in technical capability development.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and capability progression of new driver cohorts until they reach full operational competence.
• Build a positive learning and onboarding environment that supports safety, operational excellence, and continuous business improvement.
• Create a consistent, high-quality new starter experience that accelerates time to competency and strengthens readiness from day one.
• Ensure all RTO activities meet ASQA and national compliance standards.
• Manage audits, reporting, evidence management, and quality assurance activities.
• Coordinate and oversee external instructional design partners.
• Introduce innovative training delivery approaches and use technology to improve learning outcomes, efficiency, and return on investment.
• Measure and report on training effectiveness and ROI to guide business decisions.
• Identify and secure government funding and incentive opportunities that support training capability and improve investment outcomes.

Experience and requirements

• Proven background in leading technical or safety-critical training within a regulated or heavy industry environment.
• Experience working in or managing a Registered Training Organisation.
• Demonstrated success delivering training that is high quality, compliant, and commercially viable.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, influence, and team leadership skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to drive meaningful, lasting change.
• Capability in vendor management, cost-conscious delivery, and value-based decision making.
• Commercial awareness and budget management experience.
• Qualifications in Adult Learning, Vocational Education, or Learning & Development.
• Strong knowledge of ASQA, AQTF, and VET sector requirements.
• Qualifications related to the rail industry, technical training, or compliance are preferred.
• Certificate IV TAE40122, or an equivalent qualification, is desirable.

Benefits and culture

• Paid parental leave.
• Novated leasing.
• Fitness Passport access.
• Purchase leave program.
• EAP support through Sonder.

Additional information

Pacific National highlights an inclusive workplace culture where every team member’s contribution is valued. The organisation’s values are: Make it Simple, Share More, Kindness, Gratitude, Curiosity, and Own It.

Pacific National also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the company works, lives, and operates rail services.

Interested candidates are invited to continue with the application process and explore careers with Pacific National.