Sr. Manager, Talent Development

Worker Type

Job Description
 

Summary

The Sr. Manager, Talent Development is responsible for leading and delivering impactful learning programs that build employee capability, strengthen leadership, and advance organizational priorities. This role combines strategic program ownership with hands-on execution — designing, facilitating, and continuously improving learning initiatives — while partnering closely with business leaders, HR teams, and external vendors. As a people manager, strong leadership and team-development skills are essential.

Position Responsibilities

Program Ownership & Delivery

• Responsible for the development, initiation, and implementation of projects. Identifies all scope elements and is accountable for their timely delivery; identifies opportunities for accelerating critical milestones. Ensures execution of projects are within timeline & budget. Drives the strategy and success of larger projects which contribute to multiple areas of the organization.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and employee development experiences.
• Adapt and tailor programs for different audiences, ensuring relevance and engagement.

Learning Design & Content Development

• Translate business needs and skill gaps into practical learning programs.
• Manages the ongoing assessment of instructional effectiveness for all existing and future learning programs; formally measure return on investment as appropriate.
• Incorporate modern adult learning principles and technology-enabled solutions (e.g., blended, on-demand, ILT).
• Manage the full lifecycle of key learning programs (e.g., onboarding, employee development, compliance, career pathing, and professional skills training).

Learning Operations & Enablement

• Oversee learning platforms (LMS/LXP) with a focus on continuous improvement and user experience.
• Identify opportunities to evolve systems, tools, and processes to better support employee development.
• Partner with IT, HR, and vendors to implement enhancements, integrations, or new technologies.
• Ensure learning systems and processes align with organizational growth and talent strategies.

Program Evaluation & Enhancement

• Works on issues where analysis of situations or data requires conceptual thinking and an in-depth knowledge of organizational objectives.
• Collect and analyze feedback to measure learning effectiveness and impact.
• Monitor participation, outcomes, and program adoption to identify improvements.
• Recommend enhancements that increase learner engagement and business relevance.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Regularly collaborate with business leaders and HRBPs to understand development needs and recommend solutions.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external providers to deliver high-quality learning solutions.
• Coach managers on how to apply learning programs to support employee growth.
• Act as a trusted partner to ensure programs align with organizational priorities.
• Other duties to ensure the overall health and success of the business.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Learning & Development or Talent Management.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a leadership role.
• Staff leadership skills; proven ability in coaching, mentoring, motivating and supporting project execution through direct and indirect influence.
• Experience owning and delivering programs (not just supporting administration).
• Strong facilitation skills, able to lead interactive and engaging sessions.
• Proficiency in applying adult learning principles and instructional design concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with stakeholders and translate needs into solutions.
• Strong project management skills; solid PC computer skills (MS Office).

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Organizational Development, Human Resources, or related field.
• Advanced experience with Workday, LMS systems, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, etc.
• Experience with content development software such as: Lectora, Captivate, Articulate, PhotoShop, InDesign, Vyond, etc.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to speak and write persuasively
• Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams; ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared vision
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
• Takes ownership and responsibility for assigned tasks
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc.  Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer.
• May require travel to sites/program and special functions.

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance

• Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating.
• May have some exposure to outside environment while traveling.

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
• Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR