Job brief
We are seeking a skilled Performance Coach to join our talent development team and drive measurable improvements in employee performance and engagement across our organization. In this role, you will work directly with managers and their teams to diagnose performance challenges, design evidence-based coaching interventions, and deliver training programs that transform workplace behaviors and accelerate career growth. You'll leverage coaching methodologies, learning technologies, and performance analytics to create lasting behavioral change that drives business results. If you're passionate about unlocking human potential and have experience using structured coaching frameworks to achieve quantifiable performance gains, we'd love to have you on our team.
Key highlights
- Design and deliver individualized coaching programs using GROW model, motivational interviewing, and behavioral change frameworks to improve employee performance and engagement
- Analyze performance metrics through HRIS platforms like Workday, SuccessFactors, or BambooHR to identify skill gaps and development opportunities across teams
- Facilitate leadership development workshops focusing on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, delegation, and performance management for emerging and mid-level managers
- Implement 360-degree feedback processes and competency assessments to create data-driven development plans aligned with organizational goals and career pathways
What is a Performance Coach?
A Performance Coach is a specialized learning and development professional who combines behavioral psychology, instructional design, and performance metrics to help individuals and teams achieve peak workplace effectiveness. Working with methodologies such as GROW coaching model, 360-degree feedback systems, and competency-based assessments, Performance Coaches diagnose skill gaps, design personalized development plans, and measure behavioral change through KPIs and performance analytics. Their expertise directly impacts organizational productivity, employee retention, and leadership pipeline development by transforming underperformance into sustainable excellence.
What does a Performance Coach do?
A Performance Coach conducts one-on-one coaching sessions with employees, facilitates skills-based workshops using adult learning principles, and analyzes performance data through platforms like BambooHR, Cornerstone OnDemand, or Workday to identify improvement opportunities. They create individualized development plans incorporating SMART goals, behavioral assessments, and progress tracking dashboards, while collaborating with managers to implement performance improvement plans (PIPs) and succession planning initiatives. Daily activities include conducting coaching conversations, delivering targeted training on communication skills, leadership competencies, or technical abilities, and preparing detailed progress reports for HR leadership and department heads.
Key responsibilities
- Design and deliver individualized coaching programs using GROW model, motivational interviewing, and behavioral change frameworks to improve employee performance and engagement
- Analyze performance metrics through HRIS platforms like Workday, SuccessFactors, or BambooHR to identify skill gaps and development opportunities across teams
- Facilitate leadership development workshops focusing on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, delegation, and performance management for emerging and mid-level managers
- Implement 360-degree feedback processes and competency assessments to create data-driven development plans aligned with organizational goals and career pathways
- Collaborate with department heads and HR business partners to design performance improvement plans (PIPs) and provide ongoing coaching support for underperforming employees
- Develop and maintain training content libraries including e-learning modules, coaching playbooks, and assessment tools using platforms such as Articulate 360 or Adobe Captivate
- Track and report on coaching effectiveness through pre/post assessments, performance scorecards, and retention metrics to demonstrate ROI of development investments
- Conduct skills-based training sessions on topics including communication effectiveness, time management, goal setting, and change management for diverse employee populations
Requirements and skills
- Certified Professional Coach (CPC) credential from International Coach Federation (ICF) or equivalent coaching certification such as Center for Executive Coaching
- 3+ years of experience delivering performance coaching, leadership development, or organizational effectiveness programs in corporate environments
- Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS) such as Cornerstone OnDemand, TalentLMS, or Docebo for content delivery and progress tracking
- Experience using assessment tools including DISC, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), StrengthsFinder, or Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0) for development planning
- Strong facilitation skills for conducting workshops, team coaching sessions, and difficult performance conversations with employees at all organizational levels
- Knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies (ADDIE model), and behavioral psychology applied to workplace performance improvement
- Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred
- Ability to analyze performance data, create compelling reports using Excel or Tableau, and present coaching outcomes to senior leadership and stakeholders
FAQs
What does a Performance Coach do in a typical workday?
A Performance Coach spends their day conducting one-on-one coaching sessions with employees to address specific performance challenges, facilitating skills-based workshops on topics like leadership and communication, and analyzing performance data to identify development opportunities. They work closely with managers to create individualized development plans, implement 360-degree feedback processes, and track progress through performance metrics and behavioral assessments. Performance Coaches also design training content, prepare coaching reports for leadership, and collaborate with HR teams to align coaching initiatives with organizational goals and succession planning efforts.
What qualifications and skills are required to become a Performance Coach?
Performance Coaches typically need a Professional Coach Certification from organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF), along with 3-5 years of experience in coaching, training, or organizational development. Essential skills include proficiency with assessment tools such as DISC, Myers-Briggs, or StrengthsFinder, experience using learning management systems like Cornerstone OnDemand or Workday, and strong facilitation abilities for workshops and difficult conversations. A bachelor's degree in Psychology, Human Resources, or Business is usually required, with many employers preferring candidates who have a Master's degree and experience applying behavioral psychology principles to workplace performance improvement.
Who does a Performance Coach work with and report to?
Performance Coaches collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders including HR business partners, department managers, C-suite executives, and employees at all organizational levels. They typically report to a Director of Learning & Development, Chief People Officer, or Head of Talent Development, while working closely with managers to implement performance improvement plans and coaching interventions. Performance Coaches also partner with external vendors for assessment tools, coordinate with IT teams on learning technology platforms, and regularly present coaching outcomes and ROI metrics to senior leadership teams and board members.
What is the career outlook and salary potential for Performance Coaches?
The Performance Coach role is experiencing strong growth as organizations increasingly recognize the ROI of targeted employee development and coaching interventions. According to industry data, Performance Coaches earn between $65,000-$120,000 annually depending on experience, location, and organization size, with senior coaches and those with specialized certifications commanding higher salaries. Career advancement paths include roles such as Director of Organizational Development, Chief Learning Officer, or independent coaching consultant. The profession offers excellent job security as companies continue investing in employee engagement, retention, and leadership pipeline development to remain competitive in tight talent markets.