Corporate Training

Talent Development Manager job description

A Talent Development Manager designs learning programs using platforms like Cornerstone OnDemand and Articulate Rise — building skills through ILT, e-learning, and coaching.

Published December 5, 2024Updated May 9, 20264937 likes

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Job brief

We are seeking an experienced Talent Development Manager to join our People Development team and lead learning initiatives that accelerate employee growth and organizational capability. In this role, you will design and deliver high-impact training programs across leadership development, technical skills, and compliance education, working directly with department heads and C-suite executives to align learning strategies with business priorities. You will leverage modern learning technologies, data-driven insights, and evidence-based instructional design to create engaging development experiences for our 500+ employee workforce. If you are passionate about unlocking human potential through innovative learning solutions and thrive in a collaborative, results-oriented environment, this opportunity is for you.

Key highlights

Design competency-based learning curricula using ADDIE methodology and adult learning principles for leadership development, technical skills, and compliance training programs
Facilitate instructor-led workshops, virtual training sessions, and executive coaching engagements for audiences ranging from new hires to senior leadership teams
Manage learning management systems like Cornerstone OnDemand or Workday Learning, including user administration, course catalog maintenance, and learning analytics reporting
Implement measurement strategies using Kirkpatrick's Four-Level Evaluation Model to assess training effectiveness, behavior change, and business impact metrics

What is a Talent Development Manager?

A Talent Development Manager is a learning and development professional who designs, implements, and evaluates comprehensive training programs that align with organizational objectives and enhance employee capabilities. Working with learning management systems (LMS) such as Cornerstone OnDemand, Workday Learning, or SAP SuccessFactors, Talent Development Managers create blended learning experiences using instructional design methodologies like ADDIE and Kirkpatrick's Four-Level Training Evaluation Model. Their expertise drives workforce development initiatives that directly impact employee retention, leadership pipeline strength, and organizational performance metrics.

What does a Talent Development Manager do?

On a typical day, a Talent Development Manager conducts needs assessments through stakeholder interviews and performance gap analyses, then designs custom learning paths using authoring tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or Rise 360. They facilitate instructor-led training sessions, manage virtual learning experiences through platforms like Zoom or WebEx Training Center, and collaborate with subject matter experts to develop competency-based curricula. They also track learning analytics through LMS dashboards, measure training ROI using Level 2-4 Kirkpatrick evaluations, and present quarterly development metrics to senior leadership and HR business partners.

Key responsibilities

Design competency-based learning curricula using ADDIE methodology and adult learning principles for leadership development, technical skills, and compliance training programs
Facilitate instructor-led workshops, virtual training sessions, and executive coaching engagements for audiences ranging from new hires to senior leadership teams
Manage learning management systems like Cornerstone OnDemand or Workday Learning, including user administration, course catalog maintenance, and learning analytics reporting
Conduct organizational needs assessments through focus groups, performance data analysis, and 360-degree feedback tools to identify skill gaps and development priorities
Develop multimedia learning content using authoring tools such as Articulate Rise 360, Adobe Captivate, and Camtasia for self-paced e-learning modules
Implement measurement strategies using Kirkpatrick's Four-Level Evaluation Model to assess training effectiveness, behavior change, and business impact metrics
Collaborate with HR business partners and department leaders to create individual development plans (IDPs) and succession planning frameworks for high-potential employees
Research emerging learning technologies and methodologies including microlearning, VR training platforms, and AI-powered personalized learning solutions

Requirements and skills

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Psychology, or related field with focus on adult learning theory
3+ years of experience designing and delivering corporate training programs using instructional design methodologies like ADDIE, SAM, or Bloom's Taxonomy
Proficiency with learning management systems (Cornerstone OnDemand, Workday Learning, SAP SuccessFactors) and authoring tools (Articulate Suite, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia)
Certification in talent development such as CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development) from ATD or equivalent learning and development credentials
Experience facilitating leadership development programs, new manager training, and executive coaching sessions for diverse professional audiences
Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent training initiatives, vendor relationships, and cross-functional stakeholder communications
Knowledge of learning analytics, ROI measurement techniques, and ability to present training effectiveness data to senior leadership using tools like Tableau or Power BI
Expertise in virtual training delivery through platforms like Zoom, WebEx Training Center, or Microsoft Teams with ability to engage remote and hybrid audiences effectively

FAQs

What does a Talent Development Manager do on a daily basis?

A Talent Development Manager spends their days designing learning programs, facilitating training sessions, and analyzing development needs across the organization. They work extensively with learning management systems like Cornerstone OnDemand or Workday Learning to create course catalogs and track learner progress, while also using authoring tools such as Articulate Rise or Adobe Captivate to build engaging e-learning content. Daily activities include conducting needs assessments with department leaders, facilitating leadership workshops or technical training sessions, reviewing learning analytics to measure program effectiveness, and collaborating with HR business partners on individual development plans and succession planning initiatives.

What skills and qualifications are required for a Talent Development Manager?

A successful Talent Development Manager typically holds a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Psychology, or Organizational Development, combined with 3+ years of experience in corporate training or learning and development. Key technical skills include proficiency with LMS platforms (Cornerstone, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors), authoring tools (Articulate Suite, Adobe Captivate), and instructional design methodologies like ADDIE or SAM. Professional certifications such as CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development) from ATD are highly valued, along with expertise in adult learning theory, training evaluation methods like Kirkpatrick's Four Levels, and the ability to facilitate both virtual and in-person learning experiences for diverse professional audiences.

Who does a Talent Development Manager collaborate with?

Talent Development Managers work closely with a diverse network of internal and external stakeholders to deliver effective learning solutions. Internally, they partner with HR business partners on talent strategy, department heads and senior leaders on skills gap analysis, subject matter experts for content development, and employees at all levels as learners and training participants. They also collaborate with IT teams on LMS administration and learning technology implementation, finance teams for training budget management and ROI measurement, and external vendors including training consultants, e-learning developers, leadership coaches, and conference facilitators to supplement internal capabilities and bring specialized expertise to development programs.

What is the career outlook and salary range for Talent Development Managers?

The Talent Development Manager role offers strong career growth prospects, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 7% growth in training and development specialist positions through 2031, faster than average for all occupations. Salary ranges typically span $55,000 to $95,000 annually, with senior-level positions and those in major metropolitan areas commanding higher compensation. Career advancement paths include Senior Learning and Development Manager, Director of Talent Development, Chief Learning Officer, or specialized roles in organizational development consulting. The increasing focus on employee retention, digital transformation, and leadership development across industries creates robust demand for skilled Talent Development Managers who can demonstrate measurable business impact through strategic learning initiatives.