What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Learning and Development position at HomeTown Services?
Summary:
The Learning and Development Director leads all training and development initiatives across the organization, ensuring that every team member—from apprentices and service technicians to managers and customer service staff—has the knowledge, skills, and support to succeed.
This role combines strategic program design with hands-on delivery, building training programs that align with business goals, safety standards, and the evolving demands of the HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and generator trades. This includes developing standardized learning frameworks that can be customized for regional operations, ensuring all employees—from apprentices to managers—receive the training and resources they need to excel.
This role requires a strategic thinker who can balance big-picture planning with hands-on program execution. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of technical trades training, adult learning, and regional operations in a fast-growing service organization.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
Training Strategy & Development
- Develop and implement a comprehensive learning strategy that supports operational excellence, safety, and employee growth.
- Conduct training needs analyses across technical and non-technical departments to identify skill gaps and career development opportunities.
- Create and maintain structured apprenticeship, certification, and career path programs for field technicians.
- Partner with department heads to align training initiatives with business objectives, licensing requirements, and manufacturer standards.
Program Design & Delivery
- Design engaging blended learning programs (in-person, virtual, and on-the-job) for field and office personnel.
- Facilitate new hire onboarding for technicians, customer service representatives, and sales staff.
- Develop and deliver leadership and management training for field supervisors and emerging leaders.
- Coordinate vendor and manufacturer-led training on new technologies, systems, and products (e.g., HVAC units, electrical systems, generator brands).
- Manage relationships with trade schools, licensing boards, and certification organizations.
Safety & Compliance
- Oversee mandatory safety training programs (OSHA, EPA, confined space, lockout/tagout, etc.).
- Ensure training content complies with all federal, state, and local regulations relevant to the trades.
- Maintain training records and certifications to support compliance audits.
Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
- Measure and report on training outcomes, performance improvements, and return on investment.
- Collect feedback to continuously improve training effectiveness and employee engagement.
- Stay up to date with emerging technologies, tools, and regulations in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and generator industries.
Collaboration & Culture
- Coach managers and team leads on effective employee development practices.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning, safety, and professionalism.
- Support company-wide initiatives focused on employee engagement, retention, and customer satisfaction.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Education, Organizational Development, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
- 5 years of Learning and Development or Technical Training experience in a skilled trades environment.
- Demonstrated success in designing and implementing training programs for field service teams.
- Strong knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design, and training technologies.
- Excellent facilitation, communication, and project management skills.
- Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital training tools.
Preferred:
- Background or familiarity with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or generator systems.
- Experience with compliance and safety training in technical trades.
- Certifications such as CPLP (ATD), OSHA Trainer, or other relevant credentials.
- Experience managing manufacturer training partnerships or apprenticeship programs.
This position description is intended to be dynamic and subject to change. Position requirements and essential functions may be altered from time to time based upon the needs of the organization and department. This position may be required to execute special projects or other related duties on occasion.