Director of Learning & Development

At Peterson, we partner with our customers to build the future. For over 85 years, our peoples’ work has shaped the communities where we live, where we raise our families, and where we thrive. Peterson’s legacy permeates every aspect of our communities. From roads and bridges, back-up power at hospitals, fire-fighting, concerts and moving goods; we are everywhere you look. At Peterson, you don’t just have a career, you have a purpose.

Our family-oriented environment is built on safety, winning, growth, and professional achievement. Hiring and developing exceptional people is critical to our continued success. We have high standards for a good reason: our people represent Peterson, our family, our brand, and our values.

You have high expectations too. You are exceptionally motivated, have outstanding skills, and want your work to matter.  Peterson offers competitive wages, generous benefits, and promotional opportunities at a family-owned and operated business. It’s time to use your skills and passion to do work that matters!

Job Description

Peterson Cat has a need for a Director of Learning & Development who can be based at either our San Leandro, CA or Hillsboro, OR location.

SUMMARY

The Director of Learning & Development leverages a strong understanding of adult learning methodology to lead and manage a comprehensive employee learning and development strategy that enhances the knowledge, skills, and performance of technical employees and people leaders across the organization. This role provides strategic oversight for all company training activities, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to technical, professional, leadership, managerial, and soft skills development. 

A key responsibility of this role is the oversight and advancement of a parallel Technician Training Program that provides progressive, higher-level technical training opportunities for technicians seeking to expand their expertise and capabilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign the functions to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Job functions include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to Peterson University, which is responsible for supporting and enhancing the technical and professional knowledge, skills, and abilities of Peterson employees, Caterpillar (CAT) dealers, customers, and other industry stakeholders.

• Work closely with leaders to plan, develop, and implement a comprehensive training and development strategy that aligns with Peterson’s strategic priorities and core values.

• Direct and oversee the operations and growth of Peterson’s revenue-generating regional training center in compliance with CAT Regional Dealer Learning Center (RDLC) standards, optimizing the scale and effectiveness of manufacturer-certified technical training programs delivered to internal and external CAT dealer technicians .

• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to identify and pursue innovative channels for attracting and hiring Technical Trainers, while effectively leveraging existing channels.

• Direct and collaborate with the Trainer Development Manager to accelerate the development and readiness of Technical Trainers in support of Peterson and CAT growth initiatives.

• Manage and evolve structured technician training pathways to advance technical proficiency and support technician career progression.

• Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of a non-RDLC training center that aligns with Peterson’s goals and business needs. 

• Oversee the design, development, and continuous improvement of non-technical training and continuing education programs, including but not limited to the following areas:

  • Professional and leadership development.

  • Job-specific and business skills such as communication, project management, and productivity.

  • Safety culture excellence and safety training refresher courses.

• Partner with leaders across the enterprise to conduct learning needs assessments, identify workforce skill gaps, and translate business requirements into targeted learning strategies and curriculum development.

• Develop scalable learning frameworks, governance models, and succession planning initiatives to support long-term organizational growth.

• Participate as an active member of the advisory board for ThinkBIG technician development programs at San Joaquin Delta College and Portland Community College as well as other ThinkBIG-related boards and apprenticeship councils to advance dealership training interests and development of technicians.

• Direct the delivery, evaluation, and optimization of training programs using performance metrics and feedback to drive effectiveness.

• Conduct cost-benefit analyses to assess utilization of outside training resources

• Ensure full utilization of service-training facilities, processes, resources, personnel, and equipment.

• Establish and maintain partnerships with external training providers, educational institutions, manufacturers, and subject matter experts to expand learning capabilities.

• Promote a sustainable culture of continuous learning by driving employee engagement in development programs across all levels of the organization.

• Monitor, manage, and report on training and employee development budgets, resources, and program outcomes to ensure efficiency and return on investment.

• Identify and maintain knowledge of critical local and national issues and trends that affect the company’s learning and development objectives.

• Continuously expand professional knowledge of general managerial skills through a combination of self-development, formal training, and participation in local Association for Talent Development (ATD) or similar programs.

• Directly conduct and/or assist outside personnel with conducting classes when appropriate.

• Travel away from base location up to 30% of the time to perform essential functions at Peterson stores and external stakeholder locations.

• Maintain regular, punctual, and predictable attendance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree from a fully accredited college in a related field such as Diesel Technology, Organizational Development, Adult Education and Training, Business Administration, or other closely related field; and a minimum of seven (7) years of experience managing a technical training program; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Supervisory experience required.

• Experience successfully designing and accrediting adult education programs required.

• Masters degree in Adult Education preferred.

• Experience working with employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement preferred.

• Must demonstrate strong knowledge of instructional design, adult learning theory, and the performance consulting process.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record

The San Leandro, CA pay range for this position is: $200,000.00 - $250,000.00 (Starting wage will depend on experience and education. We also offer a total compensation package in addition to base salary.)