What does a learning manager do?

1 Role and Responsibilities

A learning manager is responsible for overseeing the entire learning and development process, from conducting a needs analysis to measuring the outcomes and impact of the training. They collaborate with stakeholders, subject matter experts, instructors, and learners to make sure that the learning objectives are in line with the business goals and the learners' requirements. A learning manager's duties typically include creating a learning strategy and budget, designing and developing engaging and effective learning content and materials, selecting and managing the delivery methods and platforms, such as e-learning, instructor-led, or blended learning, coordinating and facilitating the learning sessions and events, evaluating the effectiveness and quality of the learning programs and providing feedback and recommendations, managing the learning resources and systems like learning management systems (LMS), databases, and tools, as well as staying up to date with the latest trends and best practices in learning and development.

2 Skills and Qualifications

A learning manager needs a combination of technical, interpersonal, and managerial skills to succeed in this role. Essential qualifications include a bachelor's degree or higher in education, instructional design, human resources, or a related field. Additionally, experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating learning and development programs for various audiences and topics is necessary. Knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design models, and learning technologies is also essential. Proficiency in using various software and tools, such as LMS, authoring tools, video editing tools, and web conferencing tools is needed. Communication, presentation, facilitation skills as well as strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are also important. Furthermore, the ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders is necessary. Lastly, creativity, innovation, and passion for learning and development are invaluable traits for this role.

3 Benefits and Challenges

Being a learning manager comes with many benefits, such as having a positive impact on employees' and the organization's growth and success, having a variety of tasks and projects offering learning opportunities and challenges, and having autonomy and flexibility in managing the learning and development process. However, there are also some challenges to be aware of, like balancing the expectations of stakeholders, learners, and management; staying up-to-date with changing needs and preferences; dealing with technical issues of learning platforms and tools; and demonstrating the ROI of learning programs.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?