Director, Learning & Talent Development in Plano, Texas at WESTWOOD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INC

Westwood Professional Services

The Director, Learning & Talent Development is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing all learning and talent development initiatives for Westwood Professional Services across all locations, corporate functions, and divisions. This role owns the full lifecycle of enterprise learning — from strategy and design through implementation, measurement, and refinement — including learning management systems, leadership development programs, talent management processes, and career growth frameworks.

The Director, Learning & Talent Development plays a critical role in fostering a high-performance culture aligned with Westwood's Team Values and company goals. This role partners closely with senior leadership, HR, and divisional Directors to identify skills gaps, build pipeline, develop succession strategies, and create the programs and tools that enable every employee to grow and perform at their best.

Duties and Responsibilities

Learning & Development

• Develop and lead comprehensive, enterprise-wide learning and development strategies aligned with the company's strategic plan, goals, and employee growth priorities.
• Oversee all learning and development initiatives, including talent management, post-M&A integration training, technical training, new hire onboarding, and supervisor training programs.
• Partner with senior leadership to identify skills gaps and create development solutions that support growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Build and lead leadership programs, including leadership development tracks, Associate programs, and related initiatives.
• Develop and manage training and team development sessions using internal tools and platforms such as Insights, EQi, and others.
• Manage tuition, certification, and licensure programs that support professional development for specific roles.
• Oversee company-wide technical and safety training in partnership with the Safety Manager and Technical Training Manager.
• Utilize data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of learning programs and refine strategies based on results.
• Leverage learning technologies — including LMS, LinkedIn Learning, and other digital platforms — to enhance accessibility and scalability of learning across the organization.
• Serve as an executive coach for leaders across the organization.
• Oversee the annual training program, including planning, budgeting, and execution.
• Develop and oversee all aspects of new supervisor training.
• Develop and regularly update the new hire orientation program, including all elements of new hire onboarding training.
• Manage budgeting for all training-related activities and programs.
• Partner with the business on education, certification, and licensure policies and programs.

Talent Management

• Develop and lead talent management processes, systems, and strategies, including employee retention initiatives, performance review programs, and employee engagement surveys.
• Partner with HR, Directors, and the Senior Leadership Team to assess talent needs, identify skills gaps, and implement targeted development plans.
• Oversee succession planning, high-potential identification, and career pathing initiatives across the organization.
• Build and oversee mentorship and Buddy programs that support employee connection and career development.
• Lead 9-Box and succession planning strategies, including the process for identifying skills gaps and creating development plans to close them.
• Manage employee engagement surveys and partner with Brand Communications on related initiatives, including Best Places to Work programs.
• Create and lead 360-degree feedback programs, including coaching and mentoring leaders through the process and outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Training and Development, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in HR, Learning and Development, or Talent Management.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and measure the effectiveness of enterprise-wide learning and development programs.
• Experience leading talent management processes, including performance management, succession planning, and high-potential development.
• Proficiency with a variety of multimedia training platforms and methods, including LMS administration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong presentation skills for diverse audiences including senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate training options, design effective solutions, and manage program budgets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related program software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Experience in a professional services, engineering, or AEC firm environment.
• Certifications in coaching, facilitation, or talent assessment tools such as EQi, Insights, or similar platforms.
• Experience supporting post-merger/acquisition talent integration and training.
• Prior experience managing a team of L&D or HR professionals.

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood):

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve. Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do. We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make. We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.

Join us in creating a better world:

In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide. Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.