Job Title: Learning & Development Manager
Location: Grantown-on-Spey / SaxaVord Spaceport, Unst, Shetland
Salary: Up To £60,000 gross per annum
Who we are:
SaxaVord Spaceport is the UK’s first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport, located on the island of Unst in Shetland — the most northerly inhabited island in the UK. We provide launch facilities, ground station services and operational infrastructure to support small satellite missions into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Join us on our journey to deliver launch capability to the UK.
Role description:
The Learning & Development (L&D) Manager is responsible for the design, development, and delivery of a comprehensive learning strategy that supports both operational excellence and organisational growth.
Approximately 60% of the role will focus on developing and delivering structured training programmes for range operations, ensuring all personnel are fully trained, competent and compliant to safely support launch, test and recovery activities within a highly regulated aerospace environment.
The remaining 40% of the role will focus on broader organisational learning and development, including leadership development, capability building, and the implementation of scalable learning systems and strategies across the business.
Core responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a Learning & Development strategy aligned with organisational and operational objectives
- Conduct training needs analysis across technical, operational and corporate teams
- Design structured learning pathways including early careers, leadership development and specialist technical training
- Lead the development and delivery of range training programmes including launch operations, safety procedures, emergency response and mission readiness
- Ensure all training meets relevant UK regulatory and safety standards (including SIR 2021 and CAA requirements where applicable)
- Coordinate simulation-based and scenario-driven training exercises to support operational readiness
- Work closely with engineering, operations and safety teams to ensure training content remains current, accurate and effective
- Ensure all mandatory training (health & safety, security and environmental compliance) is delivered, tracked and maintained
- Maintain robust training records and ensure audit readiness for regulatory inspections
- Support and promote a strong safety culture through learning initiatives
- Design and deliver leadership and management development programmes
- Support organisational change and workforce development initiatives as the organisation scales
- Develop and deliver blended learning solutions including in-person, digital and simulation-based training
- Introduce and utilise learning technologies such as LMS platforms and VR/AR solutions where appropriate
- Evaluate training effectiveness using data and continuous improvement methodologies
- Work in partnership with senior leaders, technical specialists, regulators and external training providers
- Engage with industry bodies and educational institutions to develop best practice learning programmes
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a Learning & Development or Organisational Development role in a technical, engineering, aerospace, defence or safety-critical environment
- Strong ability to translate complex technical and operational requirements into effective learning solutions
- Experience designing and delivering operational or technical training programmes
- Strong understanding of compliance and regulatory training requirements
- Experience working with learning management systems (LMS) and digital learning platforms
- Experience designing simulation-based or scenario-based training
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across all levels of an organisation
- Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, operations, safety and external partners
- Data-driven approach to evaluating learning effectiveness and continuous improvement
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Qualifications & Knowledge
- Degree, professional qualification, or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. aerospace, engineering, safety management, education or training)
- Experience at SCQF Level 9 or equivalent
- Strong understanding of learning frameworks and qualification structures (including Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework or equivalent)
- Experience working within regulated environments where safety is critical
- Knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks relevant to aerospace or high-risk operational environments (desirable)
- Experience of using ISO-aligned systems and processes for training and compliance (desirable)
- Familiarity with integrated management systems such as ISO 9001
Other Requirements
- Full, clean UK driving licence
- Willingness to undergo security vetting (BPSS and higher as required)
- Willingness to travel between Shetland sites, the Scottish mainland, and potentially Europe
- Experience working in remote or operationally challenging environments (desirable)
Why SaxaVord Spaceport?
SaxaVord is at the forefront of the UK’s emerging space launch sector, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to nationally significant projects in a truly distinctive environment. As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in developing the capability and competence of the workforce that enables safe and successful space operations.
You’ll join a close-knit, highly skilled team where safety, innovation and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.
Closing Date: 12/06/2026
To apply please email HR@shetlandspacecentre.com and attach your CV.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.