Talent Management Lead

About the Role The Talent Management lead will establish and lead the Learning and Development (L&D) function for a 1,000+ employee seasonal agricultural organization. This individual contributor role is responsible for creating a comprehensive talent development framework, including competency models, gap assessments, development solutions, career paths, succession plans, and coaching programs. The position serves a diverse workforce comprising blue-collar employees (75 %), managers with diverse technical/empirical backgrounds, back-office support, and a sales team. The role requires close coordination with HR business partners and local management to deliver practical, business-aligned learning solutions. You will.. Strategic L&D Framework Development Design and implement competency models for blue-collar, management, and sales populations, ensuring alignment with agricultural operations and seasonal business cycles. Conduct organizational capability assessments using methods appropriate for varying literacy levels, including observational assessments, practical demonstrations, and verbal evaluation techniques. Map current state versus future state requirements across all job families. Create career path frameworks and succession planning processes that identify critical roles, define progression requirements, and establish talent pools. Establish governance structure for L&D initiatives, including steering committees, feedback mechanisms, and decision-making protocols that engage stakeholders across all organizational levels. Performance and Engagement Support for Operations Partner with operations management and VP organizational development to diagnose and address hourly employee performance gaps. Design targeted interventions using appropriate behavioral modification techniques, including positive reinforcement systems, visual performance feedback, and peer recognition programs. Develop and implement management and administration techniques enabling supervisors to manage hourly workforce performance effectively. Train managers in behavior-based performance management approaches that drive measurable improvements in support of our process improvement initiatives. Establish performance improvement processes combining behavioral interventions with skill development, environmental modifications, and system improvements. Support managers in implementing consistent performance management practices across shifts, crews, and locations. Program Design and Delivery - Blue Collar Workforce Develop and implement foundational skills programs for blue-collar employees, focusing on safety protocols, equipment operation, quality and productivity standards, agricultural best practices, and workplace competencies. Design programs using visual aids, hands-on practice, peer training, and already developed written materials Create Spanish-language training materials and bilingual delivery methods, ensuring full accessibility. Develop picture-based job aids, video demonstrations, and audio instructions to accommodate varying literacy levels Establish on-the-job training protocols, buddy systems, and mentorship programs that leverage experienced workers' knowledge while introducing structured knowledge transfer processes. Design seasonal onboarding programs that can efficiently train temporary workers. Implement basic literacy and numeracy support programs where needed to enable workforce development and career progression opportunities. Management and Leadership Development Design leadership development curriculum for circa 100 managers, bridging field expertise and people management capabilities. Focus on practical applications, including crew management, performance conversations, safety leadership, and operational decision-making. Develop coaching and feedback skills programs that enable managers to develop their teams effectively, despite educational barriers. Include modules on cross-cultural communication, multi-generational workforce management, and leading seasonal workers. Facilitate action learning projects where management teams solve real business challenges while developing strategic thinking and collaboration skills. Sales Team Development Support the implementation of the Design sales capability framework and training curriculum for a 75-person sales team. Implement a sales onboarding program to ensure consistent preparation of new sales team members. Create performance support tools, including quick reference guides, mobile-accessible product information, and competitive intelligence resources. Talent Management and Succession Planning Develop a comprehensive succession planning framework that identifies critical roles across operations, management, and sales. Develop assessment criteria recognizing both formal qualifications and demonstrated practical expertise. Own the talent review processes that enable the identification of high-potential employees, regardless of their educational background. Design accelerated development programs for successors, including stretch assignments, job rotations, and mentoring. Who Are You.. You.. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Organizational Development, Psychology, Education, or related field. Equivalent experience instead of a degree will be considered Minimum 5 years progressive L&D experience with at least 3 years designing programs for blue-collar/industrial workforces Demonstrated experience applying behavioral modification techniques and performance improvement methodologies in operational environments Prior experience in agricultural, food processing, manufacturing, or similar seasonal operations required Skills and Competencies Language: Fluent Spanish and English (speaking, reading, writing) required. Must be able to design and deliver training in both languages Proven ability to design learning solutions for low-literacy adult populations using visual, hands-on, and demonstration-based methodologies Strong understanding of behavioral psychology, performance management theories, and employee engagement principles, with the ability to apply in practical settings Experience with behavior-based safety programs, performance incentive design, and visual management systems Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives independently without direct team support Experience developing competency models, succession plans, and career frameworks in non-traditional educational environments Proficiency in learning management systems and digital learning platforms accessible to low-literacy users Technical Knowledge Understanding of adult learning principles and ability to adapt them for practical application Knowledge of behavioral modification techniques, reinforcement theory, and performance analysis methodologies Experience with lean management, continuous improvement, and operational excellence principles Familiarity with agricultural industry practices, seasonal operations, and safety requirements Experience with learning evaluation methodologies and ROI measurement Preferred Qualifications Professional certifications (CPLP, ATD, SHRM) or advanced degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, or related field Experience with large-scale culture change and employee engagement initiatives in agricultural or industrial settings Knowledge of agricultural compliance training requirements (food safety, pesticide handling, etc.) Experience with behavior-based safety programs and safety culture transformation Working Conditions This position is located on-site at our headquarters in Dayton, Oregon. Please note that relocation assistance will not be provided. Position requires 40% field time visiting operations, observing work processes, and delivering on-site training. Regular travel to multiple company locations within the region (overnight travel 2-3 times per month) Must be able to work in agricultural/industrial environments, including fields, packing houses, and processing facilities Seasonal peaks require flexibility in work schedule, including potential evening and weekend training delivery Physical requirements include the ability to stand for extended periods, walk on uneven surfaces, and demonstrate equipment operation Organizational Relationships Reports to: VP HR Direct Reports: None Key Internal Partners: HR Business Partners, VP of Organizational development, Operations Management, Safety Team, Sales Leadership Benefits at Monrovia You will… Earn a competitive wage salary (this position is salary exempt). get a company match of up to 4%, when you participate in our 401(k) plan. be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision and life insurance and will receive company-paid long-term disability. earn paid vacation and sick time. be able to purchase Monrovia plants for your own garden at 20% off wholesale prices. At Monrovia, we not only grow the most beautiful plants – we also grow careers. Come grow with us. Monrovia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promotion.