Learning and Development Manager

Colas

Convent Station, NJ

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Talent Development Manager leads all USA training and development initiatives and oversees Colas SA global programs delivered in the U.S. This role ensures strategic alignment between learning programs and business objectives, measures program effectiveness, and delivers concise reporting to stakeholders. The Talent Development Manager will design and implement high-impact learning solutions that improve performance and sustain behavioral change across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Partner with business leaders and HR to align learning strategy with company goals, workforce plans, and succession needs.

• Lead design, development, delivery, and evaluation of learning programs, including technical training, leadership and management development, safety, sales, train-the-trainer, and curriculum-based learning assets.

• Identify skill and knowledge gaps through needs analysis, competency modeling, and stakeholder interviews; translate findings into prioritized learning solutions.

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that demonstrate training impact on performance, retention, productivity, and safety. Provide clear, timely reporting to stakeholders on program outcomes and ROI.

• Optimize L&D processes and learning pathways for efficiency and scalability.

• Select and deploy appropriate training delivery methods and tools (classroom, virtual, blended, microlearning, on-the-job training, simulations).

• Manage and evaluate third-party learning vendors and external training partners; negotiate contracts and ensure quality and alignment with business needs.

• Oversee LMS and TMS administration, including data integrity, course configuration, reporting, learning assignments, and compliance training records.

• Design and implement evaluation approaches (surveys, assessments, observation, performance measures) to measure effectiveness and sustainment of learning. Recommend and implement program adjustments to improve outcomes.

• Manage a small, high-performing team of program managers/instructional designers and cross-functional project workstreams. Provide coaching, development, and performance management.

• Facilitate in-person and virtual training sessions and workshops as needed.

• Maintain accurate documentation of attendance, performance, certification, and compliance training.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, Adult Education, Business, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

• 5+ years of progressive experience designing, delivering, and managing training and development programs; experience in transportation, construction, or heavy civil industries preferred.

• Demonstrated experience administering and reporting from a Learning Management System (LMS) and/or Training Management System (TMS).

• Strong experience conducting training needs analyses, competency models, and learning measurement.

• Excellent facilitation skills for both in-person and virtual audiences.

• Proven ability to design experiential and performance-based learning that drives behavior change.

• Experience managing vendors and outsourcing training activities.

• Strong project and program management skills with a track record of delivering scaled learning initiatives.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to senior leaders and influence stakeholders.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel); experience with eLearning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Rise, Captivate), virtual delivery platforms (Zoom, Teams), and project management tools is a plus.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Instructional design expertise: solid understanding of ADDIE, SAM, or other instructional design methodologies.

• Learning technologies: practical experience with LMS configuration, xAPI/SCORM standards, content management, and analytics. Familiarity with modern learning platforms and microlearning tools.

• Data-driven mindset: ability to define, track, and interpret L&D metrics (completion, competency attainment, transfer of learning, performance impact) and translate them into actionable insights.

• Change management: experience applying change management principles to support adoption of new skills and processes.

• Coaching and talent development: capability to coach leaders on development plans, performance conversations, and succession readiness.

• Stakeholder management and influence: ability to drive alignment across a matrixed organization and build credibility with executive and field stakeholders.

• Business acumen: understanding of core business drivers in construction/transportation (safety, production metrics, margins) to align learning with measurable outcomes.

• Creativity and innovation: track record creating modern learning experiences (gamification, simulations, blended learning) that engage diverse audiences.

• Continuous improvement orientation: commitment to iterating on programs based on feedback and performance data.

• Travel: willingness to travel to subsidiary locations and job sites as required.

Preferred Certifications

• CPLP, CPTM, CPTD, APTD, ATD Master Trainer, SHRM, or certifications in instructional design, coaching, or project management (PMP, Agile) are advantageous.

Colas Inc. and its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For details on the specifics of this commitment, please click here to view the EEO document. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to:

  • to meet the requirements of the role in which you are applying
  • complete any part of the application process
  • access or use the online application process and need an alternative method for applying

Please contact Colas Inc. at 973-290-9082 or send an email to ColasRecruiter@colasinc.com.




Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Learning and Development Manager?

A: To succeed as a Learning and Development Manager, key technical skills include expertise in instructional design, adult learning theory, and learning management systems (LMS), as well as proficiency in data analysis and evaluation methods. Soft skills such as effective communication, project management, and emotional intelligence are also crucial, enabling the manager to collaborate with stakeholders, facilitate learning experiences, and drive business outcomes. By combining these technical and soft skills, a Learning and Development Manager can create engaging learning programs, measure their impact, and drive business growth, ultimately advancing their career and contributing to organizational success.

Q: What is the career path for a Learning and Development Manager?

A: A Learning and Development Manager's typical career progression involves starting as a Training Coordinator or Instructional Designer, then advancing to a Learning and Development Specialist or Manager role, and eventually becoming a Senior Learning and Development Manager or Director. Key opportunities for skill development and growth include developing expertise in instructional design, adult learning theory, and technology-enabled learning, as well as building leadership and project management skills. Long-term career prospects may lead to roles such as Chief Learning Officer, Talent Development Director, or even a transition into a related field like organizational development or human resources leadership.



Colas job posting for a Learning and Development Manager in Convent Station, NJ with a salary of $86,000 to $119,000 Annually with a map of Convent Station location.