What Does a Training Manager Do?

Training managers are responsible for planning, organizing and coordinating the training needs of their organization. They commonly work with a team of trainers to develop and deliver effective training programs that help employees improve their skills or learn new ones.

Training managers may also be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of their department. This might include things like scheduling classes, overseeing budgets, developing curriculum, etc.

Training Manager Job Duties

A training manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Organizing and managing training sessions to ensure that employees receive the training they need
• Conducting exit interviews with departing employees to determine what could have been done differently to retain them
• Communicating with human resource departments about training needs and requirements as they arise
• Evaluating the effectiveness of training programs based on employee feedback or results of follow-up tests or evaluations
• Conducting interviews of potential employees to determine their suitability for specific positions
• Establishing training budgets and approving expenditures for training materials and instructor fees
• Evaluating staff performance during training sessions to ensure that instructors are teaching effectively
• Overseeing the development of training materials and conducting training sessions when necessary
• Evaluating training program results to determine whether they met their stated objectives

Training Manager Salary & Outlook

Training manager salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $76,500 ($36.78/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

The employment of training managers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the need for organizations to improve productivity and efficiency. Organizations will continue to invest in training programs to increase employee productivity and reduce costs.

Related: 25 Training Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Training Manager Job Requirements

A training manager typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Most employers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, management or a related field. Some employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in human resources or business administration. Relevant coursework includes organizational behavior, human resource management, labor economics, business law and accounting.

Training & Experience: Many training managers receive on-the-job training in their new roles. This training may include learning about the company’s culture, policies and procedures. It may also include learning about the company’s products and services, as well as the training programs and materials the training manager will oversee.

Some training managers may receive additional training in their previous roles. For example, a training manager who worked as a teacher may receive additional training in the form of a seminar or class to learn about the company’s products and services.

Certifications & Licenses: While certifications are not required for a training manager role, they can be valuable for candidates applying for openings. Certifications demonstrate that a professional has the knowledge and experience to work in a specific field. Certifications can be earned through professional organizations or through academic programs that include a certification test.

Training Manager Skills

Training managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is another crucial skill for a training manager to have. You may be required to communicate with employees, managers, clients and other stakeholders. You may also need to communicate complex information in a way that is easy to understand. Effective communication can help you to convey your message clearly and to build trust with others.

Leadership: Leadership is another important skill for a training manager to have. You may be responsible for training a team of new hires or a group of existing employees. Leadership skills can help you guide your team through the training process and encourage them to learn and grow. Leadership can also help you motivate your team to perform well and meet their goals.

Motivation: A training manager can use their motivational skills to encourage their team to learn and grow. They can also use these skills to help their team feel like they can accomplish their goals. For example, a training manager might praise their team for their hard work and encourage them to continue to improve.

Time management: Time management is another skill that can be beneficial for a training manager to have. You may need to manage multiple projects at once, including training programs, employee evaluations and employee performance reviews. Having strong time management skills can help you stay on top of your responsibilities and complete your tasks in a timely manner.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving skills are necessary for training managers to have, as they are responsible for developing training programs that address the needs of their employees. They also need to be able to identify any issues that may arise during training and find solutions to them. For example, if an employee is struggling to complete a task, the training manager may be able to step in and provide assistance.

Training Manager Work Environment

Training managers typically work in an office environment, although they may travel to attend conferences or to visit other company locations. They typically work full time and may occasionally work overtime to meet deadlines or to attend evening or weekend events. Training managers may experience some stress due to the need to meet deadlines and to coordinate the work of other trainers.

Training Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how training managers work. Training managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technical Training

As businesses become more technical, the need for training managers who are familiar with technical training will increase.

Training managers can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in technical training methods and developing programs that meet the needs of their employees. They can also work to build relationships with vendors who provide technical training services. This will allow them to find the best training options for their employees and ensure that they are getting the most up-to-date training possible.

The Emergence of Digital Learning

The emergence of digital learning is a trend that is quickly changing the way we learn. With the increasing popularity of online courses, students are now able to learn from anywhere in the world.

This trend is having a major impact on the education industry, as schools are now looking for professionals who are knowledgeable about digital learning. As a result, training managers will need to be familiar with the latest technologies and how to use them to create effective online courses.

More Focus on Soft Skills

As businesses become more competitive, they are placing an increased emphasis on soft skills. This means that training managers will need to focus on developing these skills in their employees.

Soft skills include things like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. By focusing on these areas, training managers can help their employees to succeed in the workplace.

How to Become a Training Manager

A career as a training manager can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others, to develop your own skills and expertise, and to lead a team. However, it’s important to consider all aspects of this career before you start down the path.

One of the most important things to think about is where you want to work. Do you want to stay with one company or move around? Would you prefer to work for a large corporation or a small business? What type of industry interests you? There are many factors to consider when choosing a place to work, so take your time and do your research.

Another important consideration is what type of training you want to specialize in. Do you want to focus on online training, classroom training, or both? What types of learners do you want to work with? Are there any certifications that would help you stand out from the competition?

Finally, it’s important to build a network of professionals in the training field. Attend local and national conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with other trainers on social media. The more connected you are, the more opportunities will come your way.

Advancement Prospects

A training manager typically has several years of experience working in training or a related field before being promoted to manager. Some training managers may have started their careers as training and development specialists. As they gain experience, they may move up to positions with more responsibility, such as training coordinator or training program developer.

Those who are interested in moving into management may wish to pursue a master’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Many training managers have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field.

Training Manager Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we believe that employees who are properly trained are more engaged and productive in their roles. We are looking for a Training Manager to develop, implement, and oversee our training programs. The ideal candidate will have experience designing and delivering training programs, as well as experience developing e-learning courses. They will be responsible for assessing training needs, designing training programs, and delivering training to employees. Additionally, they will be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of training programs and making recommendations for improvements.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement training programs that align with organizational goals
• Conduct needs assessments to identify training gaps and opportunities
• Design and deliver engaging and interactive learning experiences
• Create instructional materials, including e-learning modules, job aids, and cheatsheets
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and make improvements as needed
• Manage the budget for training initiatives
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices in adult learning and instructional design
• Foster a culture of continuous learning within the organization
• Serve as a subject matter expert on assigned topics
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Promote training programs internally
• Coordinate logistics for training events

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, HR, or related field
• 7-10 years experience in training and development, with at least 3 years in a management role
• Proven ability to design and implement effective training programs
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, HR, or related field
• Experience with eLearning platforms and tools
• Knowledge of adult learning theories and instructional design principles
• Certification in training and development, such as CPLP or ASTD
• Familiarity with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)