Need to Hire a Learning & Development Manager? Here’s What You Need to Know
In today’s fast-changing workplace, having a strong Learning & Development (L&D) function is no longer a ‘nice to have’; it’s essential.
Irish businesses are increasingly recognising the need to upskill their workforce, develop leadership pipelines, and build a culture of continuous learning. And at the heart of this lies a strong L&D Manager.
If you're planning to hire an L&D Manager in Ireland, here’s what you need to know to make the right hire:
✔️Strategic Thinking Meets Practical Delivery
The right L&D Manager will be able to translate your organisation’s strategy into targeted learning programmes. They should bring both vision and the ability to implement it across teams and departments.
✔️Experience with Modern Learning Tools
From blended learning to e-learning platforms, and from microlearning to mobile learning apps—today’s L&D professional needs to be tech-savvy and comfortable working with platforms like Moodle, Articulate, or LinkedIn Learning.
✔️Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Whether partnering with department heads or engaging senior leaders, the best L&D Managers are skilled communicators who can tailor learning to meet the needs of individuals and the wider business.
✔️Data-Driven Decision Making
Modern L&D is about more than delivering workshops. Top candidates will use analytics to track learning engagement, performance improvements, and ROI. They’ll measure what matters and adapt quickly.
✔️Cultural Awareness and Inclusion
With Ireland’s workforce becoming increasingly diverse, L&D strategies must support inclusion and equity. Look for candidates who understand Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and can deliver content that’s accessible and engaging for everyone.
✔️Project Management Expertise
Delivering company-wide programmes requires solid project planning, stakeholder management and the ability to juggle multiple deadlines. Candidates with experience running L&D initiatives at scale will stand out.
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the L&D landscape and your next hire should be ready for that shift.
✔️Personalised Learning Journeys
AI tools can assess skills gaps and tailor learning content to individual learners, increasing engagement and improving retention.
✔️ Automated Admin
From scheduling sessions to sending reminders and tracking CPD hours, AI streamlines admin, freeing up the L&D Manager to focus on strategy.
✔️ Real-Time Insights
With AI-powered dashboards, it’s now possible to track learning progress, feedback, and engagement in real time—supporting faster decision-making and continuous improvement.
✔️ AI-Powered Content Creation
Forward-thinking L&D Managers are already using tools like ChatGPT to draft training materials, quizzes, and even full learning modules—saving time and driving consistency.
Hiring a Learning & Development Manager isn’t just about filling a vacancy; it’s about investing in your organisation’s future. In an Irish market where talent retention and upskilling are high on the agenda, this role can make a tangible impact on business success.
Want the Best HR Talent?
We’d love to partner with you.
At HR Hire, we specialise in sourcing strategic L&D talent with the right blend of leadership, learning innovation and digital fluency. We’ll help you connect with professionals who can lead your learning function into the future.
