About this role
Job Description: Head – Learning & Development (L&D)
Position Overview
Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd is seeking a visionary, research-driven, and execution-focused Head of Learning & Development to lead our corporate and plant-level L&D functions. Based at our Corporate Office in Bhat, Ahmedabad, this leadership role requires a unique blend of advanced academic expertise in instructional science and practical, hands-on experience driving capability building within a complex manufacturing or pharmaceutical environment.
You will architecture the enterprise-wide learning strategy, moving L&D from traditional training to a data-driven, instructionally sound capability engine that directly impacts manufacturing excellence, compliance, leadership pipeline, and business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & L&D Architecture
Vision & Strategy: Align the macro L&D strategy with Cadila’s long-term business goals, manufacturing expansions, and commercial objectives.
Instructional Governance: Apply advanced empirical research and instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM, Kirkpatrick, Bloom’s Taxonomy) to modernize the company's training framework.
Budgeting & ROI: Oversee the corporate L&D budget and establish rigorous metrics to measure training effectiveness, behavior change, and business ROI.
- Manufacturing & Technical Capability Building
Compliance-Driven Learning: Collaborate with Quality Assurance (QA) and Operations to optimize Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Data Integrity, and EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) training frameworks.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Optimization: Re-engineer the delivery and assessment of SOPs, transforming dense regulatory documents into digestible, highly effective learning modules for plant-floor operators and supervisors.
Skill Matrix & Upskilling: Design and execute robust skill-mapping initiatives, managing technical competency matrices across diverse manufacturing sites.
- Instructional Design Innovation & Tech Adoption
Curriculum Development: Lead the L&D team in creating blended learning journeys, leveraging micro-learning, gamification, and scenario-based training tailored for both deskless plant workers and corporate executives.
LMS/LXP Management: Overhaul and drive maximum engagement through the Learning Management System, utilizing data analytics to track compliance and learning trends.
Digital Transformation: Explore innovative methodologies like AR/VR simulation for complex pharmaceutical machinery operations to reduce human error and batch failures.
- Leadership Development & Talent Management
High-Potential Programs: Design and execute corporate leadership development tracks to groom mid-to-senior level talent.
Performance Consulting: Act as an internal consultant to business heads and plant heads to diagnose performance gaps and prescribe structured learning interventions.
Required Qualifications & Background
Education: Ph.D. in Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Educational Psychology, or a closely related field.
Experience: 12–18 years of progressive experience in corporate training and development, with at least 5+ years in a definitive leadership/team-management role within a large-scale manufacturing setup (Pharmaceutical, Chemical, FMCG, or Automotive industry).
Preference: Experience specifically within an FDA/MHRA-regulated pharmaceutical environment is highly preferred.
Expertise: Deep knowledge of adult learning theories, cognitive psychology, psychometrics, and curriculum design.
Core Competencies & Traits
Manufacturing Acumen: Ability to translate highly technical engineering or scientific processes into clear, measurable learning tracks.
Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills to influence cross-functional plant heads, quality heads, and C-suite executives.
Analytical Mindset: Comfortable using HR/L&D analytics to prove the efficacy of training interventions beyond "hours spent training."
Change Agent: High resilience and adaptability to manage shifting manufacturing priorities and regulatory landscapes.
What We Offer
The opportunity to shape the learning culture of one of India's legacy pharmaceutical innovators.
A highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment at our state-of-the-art corporate campus in Bhat, Ahmedabad.
Competitive compensation and leadership perks aligned with market standards.
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