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Leadership Development Program Jobs in Madison, WI

Experience leading complex new product development programs in a technical or industrial environment * Background in complex electromechanical systems or scientific instrumentation strongly preferred

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Leadership Development Program information

See Madison, WI salary details

$32.2K

$121K

$201.6K

How much do leadership development program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for leadership development program in Madison, WI is $120,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,600.00 and $144,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Leadership Development Program, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Leadership Development Program, you typically need a strong academic background, analytical ability, and foundational leadership experience, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management tools, data analysis software, and business communication platforms is frequently required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach help participants excel in dynamic environments and cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing future leaders who can drive organizational growth and successfully manage complex challenges.

What does a leadership development program do?

A leadership development program is designed to enhance the skills, knowledge, and competencies of current or aspiring leaders within an organization. It typically includes training, mentorship, and experiential learning to prepare participants for higher-level responsibilities and effective team management.

What is a Leadership Development Program?

A Leadership Development Program is a structured training initiative designed to identify, nurture, and develop future leaders within an organization. These programs typically include workshops, mentorship, job rotations, and experiential learning opportunities to build leadership skills such as strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making. Participants are often high-potential employees chosen for their leadership capabilities and aspirations. The goal is to prepare them for management or executive roles and to ensure a strong pipeline of leaders for the company’s future growth.

What are 5 careers that require leadership skills?

Leadership development programs prepare individuals for careers such as managers, project leaders, sales directors, human resources managers, and executive roles. These careers typically require strong communication, decision-making, and team management skills, often supported by relevant certifications or experience. Developing leadership skills can open opportunities across various industries including business, healthcare, technology, and non-profit organizations.

What types of projects or rotations can participants expect in a Leadership Development Program, and how do these experiences support long-term career growth?

Participants in a Leadership Development Program (LDP) typically rotate through multiple departments such as operations, marketing, finance, or human resources, gaining hands-on experience with a range of business functions. These rotations are designed to build a broad organizational perspective, develop cross-functional skills, and strengthen leadership abilities. By working on high-impact projects and collaborating with senior leaders and peers, participants can identify their strengths and interests, which often leads to accelerated career progression and consideration for management roles upon completion of the program.

What can you do with a leadership development degree?

A leadership development program prepares individuals for roles in management, human resources, training, and organizational development. Graduates often pursue positions such as team leaders, project managers, or executive assistants, utilizing skills in communication, strategic planning, and problem-solving. Certifications like CPLP or SHRM can enhance career prospects in leadership-focused roles.

What is the difference between Leadership Development Program vs Management Trainee?

AspectLeadership Development ProgramManagement Trainee
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, sometimes a master's; no specific certifications neededSimilar credentials; often requires a bachelor's degree in business or related field
Work EnvironmentRotational assignments across departments, mentorship, training sessionsRotational roles within the company, on-the-job training, mentorship
Industry UsageCommon in corporate sectors like finance, consulting, manufacturingWidely used in banking, FMCG, and retail industries
PurposeDevelop future leaders through structured training and exposurePrepare trainees for management roles via practical experience

Both programs aim to groom future leaders but differ slightly in focus. Leadership Development Programs emphasize leadership skills and strategic thinking, while Management Trainee programs focus on operational and managerial skills through hands-on experience. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right path for their career growth.

How much does target leadership development program pay?

The Target Leadership Development Program typically offers a starting salary ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on location and experience. Participants may also receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Compensation can vary based on the program level and specific role within the company.
What are popular job titles related to Leadership Development Program jobs in Madison, WI? For Leadership Development Program jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Leadership Development Program jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Leadership Development Program jobs in Madison, WI are:
Infographic showing various Leadership Development Program job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,993 per year, or $58.2 per hour.
Director of Program Management

Director of Program Management

Trek Bicycle Corporation

Waterloo, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Trek Bicycle rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 724 rated retailers


Job description

A bit about us

Trek is an awesome place to work, with amazing benefits for all employees. We build only products we love, provide incredible hospitality to our customers, and change the world by getting more people on bikes. When you're on our team, you're taken care of, encouraged to learn and grow, and given lots of opportunities to do so. Give us your best, and we'll give it right back. Sound pretty sweet? Then come join us!

Job Description

The Director of Program Management for Product Development is responsible for leading, developing, and continuously improving Trek's project and program management function across product categories. This role ensures disciplined execution of complex, global product development programs, from concept through launch. While balancing timelines, resources, supplier capacity, risk, and organizational priorities. The Director acts as both a strategic partner to Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Operations leadership, and as a people leader responsible for building a high-performing program management team.

This role is onsite at our Waterloo, WI Headquarters.

Key ResponsibilitiesProgram & Portfolio Leadership
  • Own overall execution of Trek's product development roadmap across multiple categories (Road, MTB, Wheels, Essentials, Accessories, etc.)
  • Ensure consistency and discipline in project and program management practices from early concept through production and launch
  • Partner with Product and Engineering leadership on portfolio prioritization, resource planning, timeline alignment, and risk management
  • Provide visibility to leadership on program health, risks, capacity constraints, and cross-program dependencies
People Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Program Managers, Project Managers, and Technical Program roles
  • Set clear expectations, role clarity, and accountability across the program management team
  • Coach team members on communication, stakeholder management, decision-making, and leadership behaviors
  • Own hiring, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning for the program management organization
Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement
  • Own Trek's Product Development Program Management framework, including tools, templates, governance, and cadence
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on execution efficiency, clarity, and reduced administrative burden
  • Partner with peers to improve launch readiness, first-build tracking, supplier readiness, and cross-functional communication
  • Ensure processes scale appropriately as teams, products, and global collaboration evolve
Launch & Readiness Accountability
  • Ensure product launches are execution-ready across Product, Engineering, Operations, Marketing, and Forecasting
  • Provide oversight of schedule readiness, volume alignment, and global delivery considerations
  • Establish early warning mechanisms for launch risks and gaps; drive resolution across functions
Supplier & Capacity Oversight
  • Work close with Sourcing on supplier capacity planning across key development partners
  • Ensure visibility and escalation of capacity risks to appropriate functional and executive stakeholders
Executive Communication & Influence
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on execution risk, organizational capacity, and delivery tradeoffs
  • Represent the Program Management function with confidence, clarity, and credibility across the organization
Required Skills & Competencies
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Strong people leadership and coaching capabilities
  • Deep understanding of product development in a physical product/manufacturing environment
  • Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on problem solving
  • Proven ability to lead through ambiguity, change, and competing priorities
  • Strong organizational, prioritization, and decision-making skills
Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in project/program management within product development or engineering organizations
  • 5+ years of people leadership experience
  • Experience working with global teams and suppliers
  • Strong understanding of product launches, manufacturing readiness, and cross-functional execution

Trek Benefits:

Flexible and fun company culture
Competitive health care
PPO & HDHP medical plan options, Dental insurance, Vision insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Free life insurance & optional term life insurance
Competitive vacation package
401(k) with match and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP)
12 weeks of maternity leave with 100% pay
Flexible holiday schedule - 10 company holidays
Tuition Reimbursement up to $15,000! (Undergraduate & Masters programs)
Employee discounts on all product
Deep partner retail discounts


We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. Trek strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.


We are an E-Verify employer.

For more information, please click on the following links:
E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish
E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish


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