Group Manager: Learning and Development

Location: Pretoria or Nelspruit
Job Type: Full-Time
Minimum Experience: 8 Years

About SAFCOL

The South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) is the third-largest state-owned company in South Africa. We operate primarily in the forestry industry across Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of Mozambique. Our mission is to drive sustainable forestry while supporting community development and industry transformation.

The Role

We are looking for a Group Manager for Learning and Development (L&D). In this role, you will be responsible for designing and managing training initiatives that help our employees and surrounding communities grow. You will lead the effort to build professional skills within the forestry sector and ensure our workforce is ready for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement an L&D strategy that supports the company’s overall business goals.
• Establish and run the SAFCOL Academy of Excellence to provide high-quality professional training.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning across all levels of the organization.
• Act as a strategic advisor to management on skills development and capacity building.

Skills Development and Transformation

• Lead training programs for everyone from entry-level staff to senior executives.
• Drive transformation by creating opportunities for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
• Manage graduate programs, internships, learnerships, and apprenticeships.
• Ensure all training aligns with BBBEE requirements and national employment targets.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Maintain training quality systems that meet NQF and SAQA standards.
• Manage our accreditation with various SETAs (specifically FP&M SETA).
• Oversee the submission of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Reports (ATR).
• Manage Skills Development Levies and claim back mandatory and discretionary grants.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with government departments, educational institutions, and training agencies.
• Provide expert guidance on BBBEE compliance related to skills development.
• Work with the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) to deliver community development programs.

Team and Financial Management

• Lead and mentor the L&D team to ensure they meet their performance goals.
• Manage the department budget and ensure training costs are handled efficiently.
• Ensure all training activities follow safety standards and internal audit requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: A Postgraduate Degree (NQF Level 8) in Human Resource Development, Training, or a related field.
• Certification: Must be a Registered Assessor and Moderator.
• Experience: At least 8 years of experience in Learning and Development, with at least 3 years at a senior management level.
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of the South African skills development landscape (SETA, SAQA, BBBEE, and NQF).
• Skills: Strong background in strategy development, project management, and budgeting.
• License: A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• NQF Level 9 (Master’s Degree) is an advantage.
• Management Development Programme (MDP) or coaching experience.
• Experience with e-learning platforms and modern training technologies.

Closing Date: 13 February 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to apply through the official SAFCOL careers portal on their website.