Job Details

We are seeking a Senior Director of Learning & Development and Performance Management to lead our enterprise talent development strategy and execution. This role will be instrumental in building a skills-first organization, demonstrating AI‑powered platforms like Eightfold to align talent, performance, and business outcomes. The leader will supervise a team responsible for learning, leadership development, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate is a strategic operator who can translate vision into scalable programs that drive measurable impact across the business.

What You'll Do Here

Strategic Leadership

• Define and implement an enterprise‑wide Learning & Development and Performance Management strategy aligned to business priorities and AI transformation.
• Own the transition to a skills‑first talent model, using platforms like Eightfold to enable skills mapping, workforce planning, and internal mobility.
• Partner closely with executive leadership, HRBPs, and business leaders to anticipate future skill needs and align talent strategies accordingly.

Learning & Development

Design and scale impactful learning programs, including:

• Leadership development at all levels
• Change management training to support organizational transformation
• AI and digital fluency initiatives
  • Role‑based and functional upskilling programs
• Develop a culture of continuous learning and growth, demonstrating modern learning technologies and innovative delivery methods.
• Supervise curriculum strategy, vendor partnerships, and internal content development.

Performance Management

• Lead the evolution of a modern, data‑driven performance management framework that drives accountability, growth, and engagement.
• Drive new performance management processes that are customer‑centric and efficient.
• Integrate performance management with skills development and career pathways.
• Establish metrics and analytics to measure effectiveness and continuously improve outcomes.

Workforce Upskilling & Transformation

• Drive enterprise‑wide upskilling and reskilling initiatives, particularly in support of AI adoption and organizational change.
• Lead and scale change management enablement programs across the organization.
• Ensure learning initiatives translate into measurable improvements in productivity, retention, and employee experience.

Employee Engagement Leadership

• Supervise enterprise employee listening strategy, including engagement surveys, pulse checks, and feedback mechanisms.
• Translate insights into actionable strategies that improve employee experience and business outcomes.
• Provide executive sponsorship and strategic oversight for ERGs.

Technology & Analytics

• Leverage Eightfold and other talent technologies to power skills intelligence, career mobility, and workforce insights.
• Use data and analytics to identify skill gaps, track program effectiveness, and advise decision‑making.
• Drive adoption of AI‑enabled learning and talent tools across the organization.

Team Leadership

• Lead, develop, and scale a high‑performing L&D and performance management team.
• Develop a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead budgets, resources, and priorities to improve organizational impact.

Skills You'll Need Here

• 10–15+ years of dynamic experience in Learning & Development, Talent Management, or related HR leadership roles.
• Proven track record leading enterprise L&D and performance management functions.
• Hands‑on experience with Eightfold (or similar AI‑driven talent platforms) and implementing skills‑first talent strategies.
• Proven success in enterprise‑wide upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

Preferred Experience

• Leadership development programs
• Change management training
• Strong people leadership experience, including running and developing teams.
• Experience in ed tech, technology, or high‑growth environments.
• Exposure to AI or digital transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with modern learning ecosystems (LMS, LXP, skills platforms).

Key Competencies

• Strategic and forward‑thinking with strong eye for business.
• Deep expertise in skills‑based talent models.
• Data‑driven and outcomes‑oriented.
• Strong executive presence and stakeholder influence.
• Change leadership and transformation capability.
• Passion for inclusive leadership and employee engagement.

What Success Looks Like

Successful implementation of a skills‑first talent strategy powered by Eightfold. Measurable improvements in employee capability, performance, and internal mobility. Scalable, high‑impact leadership and organizational change programs. High adoption and ROI from learning and talent technologies. A high‑performing team delivering clear business outcomes.

Compensation

Base salary range: $163,100.00 – $212,000.00 USD. Eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus program with an annual target of 30% of individual target. Total rewards include commensurate benefits and additional compensation as described in our Total Rewards Philosophy.

Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. All applicants are considered regardless of classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws.

Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact accommodations.ta@cengage.com.