Sr Director - L&D and Performance

Overview We are seeking a Senior Director of Learning & Development and Performance Management to lead our enterprise talent development strategy and execution. This role will lead a team responsible for learning, leadership development, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives. What You'll Do Strategic Leadership: Define and implement an enterprise-wide Learning & Development and Performance Management strategy aligned to business priorities and AI transformation. Transition to skills-first model: Use platforms like Eightfold to enable skills mapping, workforce planning, and internal mobility. Partner with executive leadership: Anticipate future skill needs and align talent strategies accordingly. Learning & Development: Design and scale impactful learning programs including leadership development, change management training, AI and digital fluency initiatives, role-based upskilling. Performance Management: Lead the evolution of a modern, data-driven performance management framework. Integrate performance management with skills development and career pathways. Establish metrics and analytics to measure effectiveness. Drive enterprise-wide upskilling, reskilling, and transformation initiatives. Supervise employee listening strategy, engagement surveys, and ERG sponsorship. Leverage Eightfold and other talent technologies for skills intelligence and workforce insights. Lead, develop, and scale a high-performing L&D and performance management team. Manage budgets, resources, and priorities. Skills You’ll Need 10–15+ years in Learning & Development, Talent Management, or related HR leadership. Proven track record leading enterprise L&D and performance management functions. Hands‑on experience with Eightfold (or similar AI-driven talent platforms). Proven success in enterprise-wide upskilling and reskilling initiatives. Experience designing leadership development, change management training. Strong people leadership and team development. Preferred Experience 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 business insight. Deep expertise in skills-based talent models. Data-driven and outcomes-oriented. Strong executive presence and stakeholder influence. Change leadership and transformation capability. 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 pay: $163,100.00–$212,000.00 USD (annual). Eligible for company discretionary incentive bonus. Total Rewards package available. Equal Opportunity Employer Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and qualified individuals. Applicants considered without regard to any classification protected by applicable laws. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cengage