Learning & Development Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Learning & Development Manager is responsible for the strategic design, development, implementation, and evaluation of learning and development programs and initiatives across all Vietnam Operations’ affiliates (Wanek, Ashton, and Millennium). This role will be based at the Corporate Shared Services hub within Wanek in Vietnam and will partner closely with HR Business Partners, business leaders, and subject matter experts across all entities to identify learning needs, develop effective solutions, and foster a culture of continuous learning and development that supports organizational goals and employee growth throughout Vietnam Operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Needs Assessment & Strategy:
  • Conduct thorough learning needs assessments across all Vietnam Operations entities (Wanek plants, Ashton, and Millennium), considering business objectives, performance gaps, and employee development requirements.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive learning and development strategy aligned with the overall talent management strategy and business goals of each subsidiary within Vietnam Operations.
  • Stay abreast of current trends and best practices in learning and development methodologies, technologies, and adult learning principles relevant to the Vietnamese context.
• Program Design & Development:
  • Design, develop, and curate engaging and effective learning solutions tailored for the Vietnam Operations workforce, including but not limited to:
    • Onboarding programs
    • Leadership development programs for various levels across all entities.
    • Soft skills training relevant to the local cultural context.
    • Compliance training specific to Vietnamese labor laws and industry regulations.
    • E-learning modules, webinars, and blended learning solutions accessible to all employees in Vietnam.
    • Mentoring and coaching programs leveraging internal expertise across the organization.
    • Job aids and knowledge resources in appropriate languages.
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) within each subsidiary (Wanek plants, Ashton, and Millennium) to ensure content accuracy and relevance to their specific operations and the Vietnam context.
  • Utilize instructional design principles and adult learning theories to create impactful learning experiences for the Vietnamese workforce.
• Program Implementation & Facilitation:
  • Oversee the implementation and delivery of learning and development programs across all Vietnam Operations locations.
  • Facilitate training sessions (both in-person at various sites and virtual) as needed, demonstrating strong presentation and facilitation skills adaptable to Vietnamese audiences.
  • Manage logistics, communication (in English and Vietnamese as needed), and participant enrollment for learning programs across all subsidiaries.
  • Ensure consistent application of learning programs and standards across all Vietnam Operations entities.
• Vendor Management:
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage external training vendors and consultants based in Vietnam or with strong experience in the Vietnamese market, as needed.
  • Negotiate contracts and ensure vendor performance meets organizational expectations and cultural nuances.
• Evaluation & Measurement:
  • Develop and implement metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of learning and development programs on employee performance and business outcomes across Vietnam Operations.
  • Analyze data and provide regular reports on learning program effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement specific to the Vietnamese context.
  • Utilize feedback from participants and stakeholders across all subsidiaries to continuously improve learning programs.
• Learning Technologies & Infrastructure:
  • Manage and optimize the use of the Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver, track, and report on learning activities for all employees in Vietnam Operations.
  • Explore and recommend new learning technologies and tools suitable for the Vietnamese infrastructure and workforce.
  • Ensure data integrity and compliance within the LMS, adhering to local data privacy regulations.
• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration:
  • Build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with HR Business Partners, Functional Department Heads, plant managers (Wanek), Operations Directors (Wanek, Ashton & Millennium), and employees across all Vietnam Operations subsidiaries.
  • Communicate effectively about learning and development initiatives and their impact in a culturally appropriate manner.
  • Act as a trusted advisor and resource for learning and development needs across the entire Vietnam organization.
• Budget Management:
  • Develop and manage the learning and development budget for Vietnam Operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient resource allocation across all subsidiaries.
• Cultural Sensitivity & Localization:
  • Ensure all learning and development programs are culturally sensitive and relevant to the Vietnamese workforce, considering local customs, values, and communication styles.
  • Adapt global learning content as needed, translating materials and tailoring delivery methods to align with Vietnamese language and cultural norms.
• Compliance & Regulatory Awareness:
  • Stay informed about relevant Vietnamese labor laws and regulations related to training and development.
  • Ensure learning programs comply with local legal requirements.
• Collaboration with Ashley L&D Team:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for the Ashley Learning & Development team regarding Vietnam Operations' training needs and initiatives.
  • Collaborate closely with Ashley L&D counterparts to understand global learning strategies, programs, materials, and best practices.
  • Evaluate global learning resources for potential adaptation and localization for the Vietnam Operations workforce, ensuring cultural relevance and language appropriateness.
  • Partner with Ashley L&D to align learning objectives and content where appropriate, maximizing resource utilization and ensuring consistency in core competencies across the organization.
  • Provide feedback to the Ashley L&D team on the effectiveness and relevance of global programs within the Vietnam context.
  • Participate in global L&D meetings and initiatives to share insights and contribute to the overall learning strategy of the broader organization.
  • Ensure compliance with global learning standards and guidelines while adapting programs to meet local regulatory requirements in Vietnam.
  • Collaborate on the development of blended learning solutions that leverage global resources and local delivery methods.
  • Work with Ashley L&D to explore and implement shared learning technologies and platforms.
  • Communicate effectively with both the Vietnam Operations stakeholders and the Ashley L&D team on the progress and outcomes of collaborative projects.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Organizational Development, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.  
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in learning and development, with significant experience supporting operations in Vietnam or other Southeast Asian countries.
• Proven experience in designing, developing, and implementing a wide range of learning and development programs specifically for a Vietnamese workforce.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies (ADDIE, SAM, etc.), and learning technologies, with the ability to apply them effectively in the Vietnamese context.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) administration and reporting for a large, diverse employee base.
• Excellent facilitation, presentation, and communication skills (written and verbal) in both English and Vietnamese.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across different locations in Vietnam.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels within a Vietnamese business environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions relevant to the Vietnam operations.
• Experience working within a manufacturing environment and understanding the training needs of production and technical roles is highly desirable.
• Fluency in both English and Vietnamese is essential.

Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking (with a focus on the Vietnam context)
• Instructional Design Expertise (culturally relevant)
• Facilitation Skills (bilingual and culturally adaptable)
• Project Management (across multiple Vietnam locations)
• Communication (Written & Verbal - English & Vietnamese)
• Interpersonal Skills (building trust and rapport with Vietnamese employees and leaders)
• Collaboration & Teamwork (across different subsidiaries in Vietnam)
• Problem Solving (considering local nuances)
• Results Orientation (measuring impact within the Vietnam operations)
• Cultural Awareness & Sensitivity (deep understanding of Vietnamese culture)
• Learning Agility (adapting to the evolving needs of the Vietnamese workforce)
• Knowledge of Vietnamese Labor Laws related to Training