Learning & Development Lead, Made In England Factory
Dr. Martens is more than a brand - it’s a global icon with over 60 years of attitude, heritage, and cultural impact. We’re a thriving, values‑driven business powered by diverse thinkers, bold doers, and people who bring their whole selves to work. If you’re ready to make your mark, you’re in the right place.
At DM, our values guide everything we do: Be Yourself, Act Courageously, Show You Care. They’re not just words - they’re how we turn passion into progress.
Wollaston is the birthplace of the Dr. Martens brand, and our Made In England factory continues to make premium footwear from the original home of Dr. Martens.
WHERE YOU CONTRIBUTE
The Learning & Development Lead is responsible for building the capability, skills and future talent pipeline that enables Made in England to deliver world-class craft manufacturing, quality, productivity and operational excellence. As a key member of the MIE Leadership Team, the role develops and executes the site learning strategy, ensuring the knowledge, expertise and heritage craftsmanship that define Made in England are protected, scaled and transferred to future generations.
The role plays a critical part in creating a future-ready organisation by developing technical capability, leadership effectiveness, multi-skilling and succession strength across the factory. Through apprenticeships, structured learning pathways and capability-building initiatives, the role supports operational performance, improves employee engagement and retention, and ensures the factory has the skills required to meet future business needs.
CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
As our L&D Lead in the MIE Factory, you will be responsible for:
Learning & Development Strategy
- Develop and deliver the learning and capability strategy for Made in England, aligned to factory priorities, business objectives and workforce capability requirements.
- Build a future-focused skills development roadmap that supports operational excellence, productivity, quality and organisational growth.
- Identify current and future capability gaps across manufacturing, quality, logistics, engineering and support functions.
- Establish structured learning pathways for onboarding, technical skills development, multi-skilling, leadership capability and career progression.
- Develop learning solutions that balance immediate operational requirements with long-term capability needs.
Apprenticeship Programme Leadership
- Own the end-to-end Made in England apprenticeship programme.
- Lead apprentice recruitment, onboarding, development planning, progress reviews and successful programme completion.
- Build strong partnerships with colleges, training providers and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality programme delivery.
- Champion apprenticeships as a critical talent pipeline for protecting and sustaining specialist footwear manufacturing skills.
- Ensure apprenticeship programmes meet compliance, funding and regulatory requirements.
Technical Skills & Craft Capability
- Protect and preserve critical manufacturing knowledge, specialist craft skills and operational expertise.
- Partner with experienced craftspeople and operational leaders to capture, document and transfer critical knowledge.
- Develop competency frameworks and technical training standards across key manufacturing disciplines.
- Ensure consistent assessment of technical competence and skills certification where appropriate.
- Support development of future craft experts and specialists across the factory.
Workforce Capability & Succession
- Develop and maintain site-wide skills matrices and capability tracking processes.
- Support succession planning by identifying critical roles, capability risks and development priorities.
- Partner with leaders to create targeted development plans for high-potential employees and future talent.
- Drive multi-skilling initiatives that increase workforce flexibility and operational resilience.
- Ensure development plans support both individual growth and business continuity.
Leadership & People Development
- Coach leaders and line managers to build capability in performance management, coaching, feedback and team development.
- Design and coordinate leadership development interventions aligned to operational leadership needs.
- Build manager capability to support engagement, performance, development and succession outcomes.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning, accountability and growth throughout the factory.
Learning Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure training records, competence assessments and learning documentation remain accurate, compliant and audit-ready.
- Measure learning effectiveness through capability, productivity, quality and engagement outcomes.
- Use learning analytics and workforce capability data to inform business decisions and investment priorities.
- Continuously improve learning methodologies, delivery approaches and programme effectiveness.
- Contribute to site-wide improvement initiatives as a member of the MIE Leadership Team.
KEY SKILLS & CAPABILITIES
Learning & Development
- Experience in Learning & Development, capability building or workforce development in manufacturing or operational environments.
- Skilled in training needs analysis, programme design, delivery and evaluation.
- Experience managing apprenticeships, technical skills development and external training partners.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Strong ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
- Effective coach, facilitator and business partner.
- Able to drive positive behavioural and cultural change.
Planning & Continuous Improvement
- Data-driven approach to identifying skills gaps and development opportunities.
- Strong organisation, prioritisation and programme management skills.
- Committed to continuous improvement and delivering measurable impact.
Behaviours
- Passionate about developing people and preserving specialist skills.
- Curious, adaptable and growth-oriented.
- Builds trust, takes accountability and promotes collaboration.
- Lives the Dr. Martens values: Be Yourself, Act Courageously and Show You Care.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
- Welcome to the family free pair of Docs
- 65% off all Docs
- Award-winning ‘Buy As You Earn’ Dr. Martens share plan
- Private healthcare
- A dedicated culture team
Health Surveillance at Our UK Manufacturing Site
In line with UK health and safety legislation and our commitment to employee wellbeing, we conduct health surveillance for roles at our Made in England Factory (MIE).
Health surveillance is a legal requirement where employees may be exposed to specific risks. It helps ensure early detection of work-related ill health, supports vulnerable employees, and evaluates the effectiveness of control measures.
As part of this process, we will carry out an initial health check at the offer stage (or within the first six weeks of employment) and continue with periodic health assessments thereafter.
Are you ready to fill your boots? Apply now.
Deadline: July 31st, 2026
At Dr. Martens, we are committed to creating an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand; helping us to speak authentically to our consumers.
We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.