Professional Development Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced corporate world, the role of Professional Development Managers is increasingly pivotal.

As businesses evolve and expand, there’s a growing demand for skilled professionals who can enhance, manage, and fortify our workforce capabilities.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Professional Development Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the nuances of professional development,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Professional Development Manager job description template, crafted for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Professional Development Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Development Managers are responsible for improving the skills, knowledge and performance of the company’s workforce.

They focus on developing and implementing plans to enhance employees’ professional abilities, productivity, and job satisfaction.

The key duties and responsibilities of a Professional Development Manager include:

• Identify training and development needs within the organization through regular consultation with business managers and HR departments
• Design and create training manuals, online learning modules, and course materials
• Review and select training vendors or consultants to deliver specific training programs
• Plan, organize, and implement a range of training activities, such as workshops, seminars, and team-building exercises
• Monitor, evaluate, or record training activities or program effectiveness
• Establish and manage the professional development budget
• Maintain knowledge on latest trends and best practices in professional development and training
• Conduct follow-up studies of completed training to evaluate and measure results
• Facilitate communication and feedback among employees and management
• Develop and implement career development plans for employees
• Coordinate with department heads and team leaders to identify and manage talent within the organization

 

Professional Development Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent and results-driven Professional Development Manager to aid in the growth and enhancement of our team’s skills.

Professional Development Manager responsibilities include identifying training needs, developing educational curriculum, and providing coaching.

Our ideal candidates are familiar with various learning methods and have experience designing programs for different skills levels.

Ultimately, the role of the Professional Development Manager is to equip our staff with the knowledge and skills to perform at their best.

 

Responsibilities

• Identify training needs by evaluating strengths and weaknesses
• Translate requirements into training that will groom employees for the next step of their career path
• Develop training programs and workshops to improve necessary skills
• Monitor employee performance and response to training
• Direct structured learning experiences and monitor their quality results
• Conduct follow-ups to ensure training effectiveness
• Report on training program effectiveness
• Help individuals and teams develop career paths

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Professional Development Manager, Training Manager or similar role
• Experience with instruction or training
• Understanding of effective teaching methodologies and tools
• Willingness to keep abreast of new techniques in corporate teaching
• Phenomenal communication, presentation and public speaking skills
• Organizational and time management abilities
• Critical thinking and decision making
• BSc degree in Education, Human Resources or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous learning opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Development Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with opportunities for remote work. Some travel may be required for seminars, conferences or workshops.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Human Resources or similar.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $105,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Development Manager Do?

A Professional Development Manager typically works for corporations, educational institutions, or professional associations.

They can also work as independent consultants, providing their services to various organizations.

Their primary role is to design, coordinate, and implement effective training programs for employees within an organization.

They work closely with department heads and senior management to identify skills gaps and training needs within the organization.

Professional Development Managers are responsible for creating engaging learning activities and compelling course content that enhances retention and transfer.

They often use a range of learning methods and platforms, including e-learning, workshops, webinars, and coaching sessions.

They may also evaluate the effectiveness of training programs, using surveys, interviews, and other assessment tools to measure the impact on employee performance and productivity.

In addition to this, they often manage budgets for professional development programs, source and negotiate with external training providers, and ensure that all training activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

An essential aspect of the role is keeping up-to-date with developments in training methods and learning technology, to ensure the organization’s training programs are current and effective.

In many organizations, the Professional Development Manager also plays a key role in succession planning and leadership development, helping to prepare the next generation of senior leaders.

 

Professional Development Manager Qualifications and Skills

A Professional Development Manager should possess a range of skills and qualifications to successfully plan, coordinate, and implement professional development programs, including:

• Strong understanding of the industry or field that the organization operates in to identify the necessary skills and competencies for the workforce.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills to effectively oversee and direct professional development programs and initiatives.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to engage with staff at all levels, facilitate workshops, and present information clearly and effectively.
• Ability to use critical thinking and strategic planning skills to identify training needs, set development goals, and implement successful professional development strategies.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills to coordinate multiple training programs simultaneously, manage timelines, and track progress.
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of professional development programs and make necessary adjustments using analytical skills.
• Understanding of adult learning principles and educational methods to create effective training materials and programs.
• Experience with digital learning platforms and e-learning strategies to deliver flexible and accessible professional development opportunities.

 

Professional Development Manager Experience Requirements

Professional Development Managers typically need a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in business development, sales, or a related field.

This experience can be gained through holding full-time positions, part-time roles, or internships in relevant business sectors.

They are often expected to have significant experience in managing or supervising teams, and a strong track record of building and maintaining professional relationships.

This experience allows them to efficiently handle the responsibilities of the role which often include staff training, performance evaluations, and career development initiatives.

Those with more than 7 years of experience in a relevant field may have a strategic understanding of their industry.

They may have developed leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and a strong professional network.

These candidates may be ready for senior-level roles or directorial positions in professional development.

Moreover, prospective Professional Development Managers are often required to have a deep understanding of the principles of adult learning and professional development.

This knowledge can be gained through academic study, professional training, or hands-on experience in adult education or professional development settings.

In addition, many employers prefer candidates with experience in implementing and evaluating training programs, as well as those with a background in project management.

Thus, experience in these areas can significantly increase the chances of securing a Professional Development Manager role.

 

Professional Development Manager Education and Training Requirements

Professional Development Managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Human Resources, Business Administration, or Educational Leadership.

They are expected to have a solid understanding of adult learning theories, training methodologies, and the ability to implement effective learning strategies and programs within an organization.

Many employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in a related field, such as Organizational Development or Business Administration, which provides an in-depth understanding of training needs analysis, program development, and evaluation techniques.

Often, Professional Development Managers are required to have several years of experience in a corporate training setting or in a role focused on professional development.

Certifications in project management, human resources, or specific training programs can also enhance a Professional Development Manager’s credibility and effectiveness.

As this role involves a lot of interaction and coaching, strong communication and leadership skills are also crucial.

Professional Development Managers are also expected to demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences related to their field.

 

Professional Development Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Professional Development Manager is $78,624 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, the size and type of the employing organization, and the cost of living in the geographical location.

 

Professional Development Manager Job Description FAQs

What is the primary role of a Professional Development Manager?

A Professional Development Manager is responsible for assessing the training needs of an organization, developing a strategic plan to address these needs, and implementing and managing the professional development programs.

They are crucial in ensuring that employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties efficiently.

 

What are some typical duties of a Professional Development Manager?

Some of the typical duties of a Professional Development Manager include identifying training needs in an organization, designing and implementing training programs, evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, and creating development plans for individual employees.

They also often liaise with other managers and executives to ensure that the company’s training and development goals align with its overall business strategy.

 

What skills should a Professional Development Manager possess?

A Professional Development Manager should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will often be liaising with various departments and individuals within an organization.

They should also have good leadership skills, as they may need to lead training sessions or manage a team of trainers.

Additionally, they should have strong analytical skills to assess the effectiveness of training programs and make necessary adjustments.

 

What qualifications does a Professional Development Manager need?

Typically, a Professional Development Manager would need a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Some positions may also require a Master’s degree.

Additionally, they would need relevant experience in professional development or training and development, and knowledge of learning management systems and e-learning platforms can be advantageous.

 

Is it hard to fill the role of a Professional Development Manager?

The difficulty in filling the role of a Professional Development Manager can depend on several factors, such as the specific requirements of the role and the job market.

However, given the strategic importance of this role to an organization’s success, it can be challenging to find candidates with the right combination of skills, experience, and understanding of the company’s needs.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricate responsibilities and important role of a professional development manager.

Surprising isn’t it?

It’s not just about training and development.

It’s about strategically equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to excel in their careers.

With our comprehensive professional development manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re now ready to make your next big move.

But there’s more to explore!

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to precision-shaped job listings or refining your resume to its finest form.

Remember:

Every professional development strategy contributes to a larger corporate vision.

Let’s shape that future. Together.