What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Learning and Development Professional position at SMEUSA?
At SME, we believe our people are our greatest asset and we're looking for someone who shares that conviction enough to act on it independently. The Senior Learning & Development Professional will be the primary architect and executor of learning at SME. This is a high-ownership, entrepreneurial role: you'll build and improve programs largely on your own initiative, influence without direct authority, and thrive in an environment where you define the roadmap rather than follow one.
You'll partner with other leaders to understand what the business needs, then design, build, and deliver solutions yourself. If you do your best work when given clear goals, autonomy, and the trust to figure out the "how," then this role was made for you.
This position is based in our Plymouth, Michigan headquarters office.
Responsibilities
At SME, we believe that taking care of our employees is the cornerstone of our success. Our commitment to your well-being goes beyond a job — it’s about helping you thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a benefits package that is not simply meeting an expectation, but a key component of your overall job satisfaction.
SME Offers Its Employees
You'll partner with other leaders to understand what the business needs, then design, build, and deliver solutions yourself. If you do your best work when given clear goals, autonomy, and the trust to figure out the "how," then this role was made for you.
This position is based in our Plymouth, Michigan headquarters office.
Responsibilities
- Independently assess organizational learning needs and develop an annual L&D strategy and calendar with minimal direction
- Design, build, and maintain course content from scratch, including e-learning modules, facilitator guides, job aids, and assessments using available tools and resources
- Manage vendor and external training relationships as needed, including selection, contracting, and evaluation
- Proactively identify gaps in the current learning ecosystem and propose solutions before being asked
- Coordinate and facilitate biweekly new hire orientation sessions, ensuring a consistent, engaging, and impactful onboarding experience
- Serve as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for the Schoox Learning Management System (LMS), including course management, assignments, and reporting.
- Lead, support, and continuously improve our internal professional development programs including offsite trips
- Partner with service group leaders to identify learning needs and develop customized learning materials, resources, and training solutions
- Collaborate with internal leaders to create and deliver relevant, high-quality learning content
- Track participation, outcomes, and feedback to assess effectiveness and drive continuous improvement
- Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on learning strategy, workforce development, and skill-building initiatives
- Help lead succession planning for the organization
- Support broader HR initiatives related to talent development, engagement, and organizational effectiveness
- Experience with instructional design or e-learning authoring tools such as articulate, rise, etc.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a full L&D function with minimal oversight and peer support
- Strong self-directed project management; able to move from idea to execution without requiring frequent check-ins
- Demonstrated experience managing and administering a learning management system (Schoox preferred)
- Strong facilitation and presentation skills, with experience leading sessions for diverse audiences
- Ability to bring vision and think strategically while remaining hands-on and execution-focused
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Business, or a related field
- A minimum of 5 years of highly autonomous experience in learning & development, organizational development or talent management
- Honesty and Integrity
- Respect
- Selfless Service
- Teamwork
- Practical Solutions
At SME, we believe that taking care of our employees is the cornerstone of our success. Our commitment to your well-being goes beyond a job — it’s about helping you thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a benefits package that is not simply meeting an expectation, but a key component of your overall job satisfaction.
SME Offers Its Employees
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits after 30 days of employment
- SME covers the premium cost of medical insurance for employees and their families
- 401(k) with company match
- Yearly profit-sharing contributions to 401(k)
- Yearly performance bonuses
- Annual wage evaluations
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Competitive Paid Time Off
- Volunteer Time Off