Training Program Manager

Overview

Project manages the design and development process, implements the test and pilot phases for new and updated field training programs, based on identification of strategic organizational needs, in accordance with adult learning principles and best practices, and within project budget and timelines. Partners with and coordinates resources from the Home Office, field and external, in support of training project plans. Partners with the Director of Field Training and Development and others in Agency or W&SFG Enterprise at large to integrate the identification and development functions. Works with minimal supervision and is responsible for making an established range of decisions, escalating to manager when necessary and updating manager on a regular basis.

Responsibilities

What you will do:

• Creates project plans to design, test and roll out new and updated training programs for the field that address strategic business needs and meet professional and legal standards. Effectively leads the evaluation and feasibility of proposed projects by reviewing and evaluating the value to the company, resources required and cost versus benefit. Applies WSL standard project management methodology to manage the new training program development and implementation and project teams. Develops plans for presentation to the agency executives and manages implementation of approved plans within specific constraints. These plans should include risk analysis and contingency plans, cost management, scope management and schedule. Identifies key areas of delay or impasse, develops recommendations and negotiates solutions with the Director, Field Training and Development, the implementation team and the executive sponsor.
• Provides training delivery and facilitation in support of design/testing efforts and additionally as needed. Facilitates instructor-led management, sales rep, and Agency development training classes. Provides facilitation support for all other field training and development classes as needed. Provides customized training and development activities in field offices, as assigned, based on Operations Model or senior management assessments.
• Leads project teams in designing, testing, piloting and rolling out phases of new programs and updates of programs, including instructor-led, virtual/electronic and self-study programs. Identifies key areas of delay or impasse, develops recommendations and negotiates solutions with the Director, Field Training and Development, the implementation team and the executive sponsor.
• Coordinates activities between Home Office, field and external contributors/vendors and project team members, including sales group clients, subject matter experts, instructional designers and media personnel. Obtains commitment by communicating and negotiating requirements and resources necessary for development and implementation of programs. Leads trainees through management development programs to ensure timely and appropriate completion of requirements. Collaborates with field executives to ensure that trainees are enrolled in a program of study that meets their individual needs and the requirements of the agreed upon curriculum.
• Designs, monitors and evaluates results of appropriate measurement processes (Kirkpatrick). Partners with instructional designer to ensure appropriate levels of measurement are included in all phases of training programs. Approves the cost of measurement and manages the budget and process to ensure timely reporting of results and process within agreed-upon cost estimate.
• Partners with Field Associate Relations to integrate identification and development elements of succession planning and training programs. Ensures the overall development of field managers is aligned between succession planning and management development, including identification of appropriate online and instructor-led modules purchased from external vendors.
• Seeks opportunities to link field training programs and processes with other key HR and sales processes and programs. Proactively seeks to drive inefficiencies out of the training development and implementation progress and streamline business processes where possible, ensuring that training initiatives are aligned with all other HR and sales processes. Proactively seeks to collaborate with other functional areas to reduce project overlap.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree In Human Resources, Organizational Development, Human Resource Development, Education, or another related discipline with heavy emphasis in Human Resources, or the equivalent. - Required
• Demonstrated experience and proven success in creating and leading projects to design, test and roll out training programs in a large multi-location organization. - Required
• Demonstrated experience facilitating sales and sales management training classes in both virtual and classroom environments, along with coaching and feedback skills. - Required
• Experience in field management positions at Western & Southern - Preferred
• Demonstrated strong project management skills including planning, implementation, reporting, facilitating meetings for discussion and decision and close out. - Required
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into action and multiple priorities. - Required
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to partner with and influence all levels of the organization. Demonstrated ability to build and leverage internal and external relationships. - Required
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, including written and presentation. - Required
• Proven strong analytical mathematic and skills including demonstrated experience identifying and quantifying problems and providing effective solutions, with a solid understanding of the Kirkpatrick levels of evaluation. - Required
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail with excellent organization skills. Must cite examples of organization time management/methods used to manage or prioritize workloads. - Required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products. - Required

Work Setting/Position Demands:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
• Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis.
• Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis.
• Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.
• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel required 25%.