Training and development managers typically do the following:

• Assess employees' needs for training
• Align training with the organization's strategic goals
• Create and manage a training budget, ensuring that operations are within budget
• Develop and implement training programs that make the best use of available resources
• Update training programs to ensure that they are current
• Oversee the creation of educational materials, such as online learning modules
• Review training materials from a variety of vendors and select materials with appropriate content
• Teach training methods and skills to instructors and supervisors
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and instructors

Companies want to promote a more productive and knowledgeable workforce to stay competitive in business. Providing opportunity for development is a selling point for recruiting high-quality employees, and it helps retain employees who can contribute to business growth. Training and development managers work to align training and development with an organization's goals.

Training and development managers oversee training programs, staff, and budgets. They are responsible for organizing training programs, including creating or selecting course content and materials. Training often takes place in classrooms or training facilities. Increasingly, training is in the form of a video, self-guided instructional manual, or online application and delivered through a computer, tablet, or other hand-held electronic device. Training may also be collaborative, with employees informally connecting with experts, mentors, and colleagues, often through social media or other online mediums. Managers must ensure that training methods, content, software, systems, and equipment are appropriate and meaningful.

Training and development managers typically supervise a staff of training and development specialists, such as instructional designers, program developers, and instructors. Managers teach training methods to specialists who, in turn, instruct the organization's employees - both new and experienced. Managers direct the daily activities of specialists and evaluate their effectiveness. Although most managers primarily oversee specialists and training and development program operations, some - particularly those in smaller companies - also may conduct training courses.

To enhance employees' skills and an organization's overall quality of work, training and development managers often confer with managers of each department to identify its training needs. They may work with top executives and financial officers to identify and match training priorities with overall business goals. They also prepare training budgets and ensure that expenses stay within budget.