Director of Learning & Development

Peterson Tractor Company•San Leandro, CA

1d•$200,000 - $250,000

About The Position

The Director of Learning & Development leads and manages a comprehensive employee learning and development strategy to enhance the knowledge, skills, and performance of technical employees and people leaders. The role provides strategic oversight for company training activities spanning technical, professional, leadership, managerial, and soft skills development. It also advances a parallel Technician Training Program that provides progressive, higher-level technical training for technicians seeking to expand their expertise and capabilities. The Director provides strategic direction to Peterson University and oversees the growth and operations of Peterson’s revenue-generating regional training center in compliance with CAT Regional Dealer Learning Center (RDLC) standards. The role also leads the design and continuous improvement of a non-RDLC training center, as well as non-technical training and continuing education programs. The position partners with leaders throughout the enterprise to assess learning needs, identify workforce skill gaps, and develop targeted learning strategies and curricula. The Director promotes continuous learning, develops scalable learning frameworks and governance, manages training budgets and resources, and evaluates program effectiveness and return on investment. Travel away from the base location may be required up to 30% of the time to perform essential functions at Peterson stores and external stakeholder locations. Regular, punctual, and predictable attendance is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited college in a related field such as Diesel Technology, Organizational Development, Adult Education and Training, Business Administration, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
At least seven years of experience managing a technical training program, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Supervisory experience.
Experience successfully designing and accrediting adult education programs.
Strong knowledge of instructional design, adult learning theory, and the performance consulting process.
Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Adult Education.
Experience working with employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and leadership to Peterson University, supporting and enhancing technical and professional knowledge, skills, and abilities of Peterson employees, CAT dealers, customers, and other industry stakeholders.
Work with leaders to plan, develop, and implement a comprehensive training and development strategy aligned with Peterson’s strategic priorities and core values.
Direct and oversee operations and growth of the regional training center in compliance with CAT RDLC standards, optimizing manufacturer-certified technical training programs for internal and external CAT dealer technicians.
Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to identify and pursue channels for attracting and hiring Technical Trainers.
Work with the Trainer Development Manager to accelerate Technical Trainer development and readiness.
Manage and evolve structured technician training pathways to advance technical proficiency and career progression.
Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of a non-RDLC training center aligned with Peterson’s goals and business needs.
Oversee the design, development, and improvement of non-technical training and continuing education, including professional and leadership development, job-specific and business skills, safety culture, and safety refresher training.
Partner with enterprise leaders to conduct learning needs assessments, identify workforce skill gaps, and translate business requirements into learning strategies and curriculum.
Develop scalable learning frameworks, governance models, and succession planning initiatives.
Participate on advisory boards for ThinkBIG technician development programs at San Joaquin Delta College and Portland Community College, as well as other ThinkBIG-related boards and apprenticeship councils.
Direct training delivery, evaluation, and optimization using performance metrics and feedback.
Conduct cost-benefit analyses of outside training resources.
Ensure full utilization of service-training facilities, processes, resources, personnel, and equipment.
Establish and maintain partnerships with external training providers, educational institutions, manufacturers, and subject matter experts.
Promote employee engagement in development programs and a sustainable culture of continuous learning.
Monitor, manage, and report training and employee development budgets, resources, and program outcomes.
Maintain knowledge of local and national issues and trends affecting learning and development objectives.
Expand professional knowledge of general managerial skills through self-development, formal training, and participation in local ATD or similar programs.
Directly conduct classes and/or assist outside personnel with conducting classes when appropriate.
Travel away from the base location up to 30% of the time to Peterson stores and external stakeholder locations.
Maintain regular, punctual, and predictable attendance.