Learning & Talent Development Manager

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team!   

Key statistics:

• 1,100+ Team members
• 950+ Consultants
• 640+ Ph.D.s
• 90+ Disciplines
• 30+ Offices globally

We are currently seeking a Learning & Talent Development Manager for our Human Resources team in one of the following office locations: Menlo Park, CA; Natick, MA; and Denver, CO. The Learning & Talent Development Manager plays a key role in strengthening how consultants grow, develop, and progress throughout their careers at Exponent. 

This role is responsible for building and delivering learning and professional development initiatives that support consultant effectiveness, leadership readiness, and long‑term career growth. The focus is on helping employees build the skills and capabilities needed to succeed at each stage of their careers (from onboarding through leadership transitions) while ensuring development programs remain practical, relevant, and scalable. 

This is a hands‑on role suited for someone skilled in building programs, solving problems, and turning business and talent needs into effective development solutions. While the role sets direction for learning and development, it is equally focused on execution and continuous improvement. 

Professional Development & Career Progression 

• Design and deliver professional development programs that support consultants as they progress through different career stages. 

• Build and maintain career‑aligned development pathways that strengthen consulting skills, leadership readiness, and technical or functional growth. 

• Partner with HR and business leaders to understand common development needs and ensure learning programs support advancement and readiness for increased responsibility. 

• Support development at key transition points, such as onboarding, early‑career ramp‑up, and transition into leadership roles. 

• Ensure development opportunities are accessible, relevant, and consistently applied across the organization. 

Learning Programs & Delivery 

• Design, launch, and continuously improve learning and development initiatives, including onboarding, professional skills development, and leadership programs. 

• Translate business and talent needs into practical learning solutions that respect consultant time and drive meaningful skill development. 

• Partner with internal subject‑matter experts to incorporate real‑world experience and practical application into development offerings. 

• Take a hands‑on approach to program execution, from concept through delivery and refinement. 

Innovation, Technology & AI Enablement 

• Leverage learning systems and tools to deliver development programs efficiently and at scale. 

• Explore and promote effective use of AI and emerging technologies to enhance learning experiences, knowledge sharing, and skill development. 

• Stay informed on external trends and research to evolve learning approaches over time, adapting solutions as organizational needs change. 

Measurement & Continuous Improvement 

• Track participation, engagement, and outcomes for learning and development programs. 

• Use data and feedback to refine offerings and prioritize improvements. 

• Share insights with HR leadership to support informed decisions about development priorities and investments. 

Experience 

• 10-15+ years of experience in HR, Talent Development, People Operations, or related roles, where learning, development, or employee growth was a meaningful part of the role. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or other related field. 

• Experience in professional services, consulting, or similarly complex organizations is preferred. 

• Experience building, improving, or scaling programs, processes, or systems that support employee development or progression. 

• Demonstrated ability to own end‑to‑end delivery (scoping, timelines, execution, and launch), driving work forward with minimal oversight. 

• Strong project and stakeholder management skills, including prioritizing work, managing dependencies, and removing blockers to expedite delivery. 

• Experience translating ambiguous needs into clear plans, deliverables, and decisions, then iterating quickly based on feedback and outcomes. 

• Proven ability to drive adoption through clear communication, practical enablement, and thoughtful change management. 

Capabilities & Approach 

• A strong independent thinker who can assess needs, research options, and determine practical solutions. 

• Thrives in evolving environments, navigating ambiguity and building solutions without established processes. 

• Highly solutions‑focused, with a bias for action. Identifies what will move the work forward and executes with urgency. 

• Able to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution. 

• Organized and systems‑minded, with the ability to design solutions that are scalable and sustainable. 

• Comfortable partnering with leaders and employees at different levels of the organization. 
• Curious and open to new tools, technologies, and approaches, particularly where they can improve learning effectiveness. 
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States.  No immigration sponsorship or processing required. 

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

We value and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion across all facets of our firm. Having a team built of people with different backgrounds, skills and perspectives allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits, as well as compensation and recognition programs, empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for​ building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment.

The pay rate for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.

Access benefits information on our Life @ Exponent page:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com.