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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Training Planner

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

Human ResourcesLearning & DevelopmentCorporate TrainingCoordination

🎯 Role Definition

The Training Planner is the logistical and organizational backbone of the Learning and Development (L&D) function. This role is central to ensuring the seamless execution of all corporate training initiatives, from initial needs assessment through to post-program evaluation. A successful Training Planner is a master of coordination, communication, and detail, acting as the key liaison between employees, department managers, internal facilitators, and external training vendors. They are responsible for managing the training calendar, handling all event logistics, maintaining the Learning Management System (LMS), and ensuring every learning experience is positive, impactful, and aligned with the organization's strategic goals.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Training Coordinator or Assistant
  • Human Resources Administrator
  • Event Coordinator or Planner

Advancement To:

  • Senior Training Planner or L&D Specialist
  • Learning & Development Manager
  • Instructional Designer

Lateral Moves:

  • HR Generalist
  • Organizational Development Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive training needs analyses across various departments by collaborating with managers and stakeholders to identify skill gaps and key learning priorities.
  • Develop, manage, and meticulously maintain the annual and quarterly corporate training calendar, ensuring strategic alignment with business objectives and key initiatives.
  • Manage all logistical aspects for in-person, virtual, and hybrid training sessions, including scheduling facilitators, booking venues, arranging technology (webinar platforms), and preparing training materials.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all training-related inquiries from employees and managers, providing timely, accurate, and helpful information and support.
  • Coordinate and manage relationships with external training providers and vendors, from initial sourcing and contract negotiation to scheduling and performance evaluation.
  • Oversee the complete registration process for all training programs, including sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing waitlists, and sending pre-course communications.
  • Administer and maintain the organization's Learning Management System (LMS), including creating course catalogs, uploading content, enrolling users, and pulling completion reports.
  • Prepare and distribute all necessary training materials, handbooks, and digital resources to participants and facilitators ahead of scheduled sessions.
  • Process and track all invoices, purchase orders, and expenses related to training activities, ensuring adherence to the L&D budget.
  • Develop and implement a system for collecting and analyzing post-training feedback through surveys and evaluations to measure effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
  • Generate regular, detailed reports on key training metrics such as attendance, completion rates, learner satisfaction, and budget variance for L&D leadership.
  • Collaborate closely with the Instructional Design team to provide logistical input and support during the development phase of new training programs.
  • Create and disseminate internal marketing and communication materials to effectively promote upcoming training opportunities and drive employee engagement.
  • Ensure all training rooms, equipment, and technological platforms are properly set up and tested prior to the start of any learning event.
  • Provide on-site or virtual support during training sessions to assist facilitators and participants, troubleshoot issues, and ensure a smooth experience.
  • Maintain an accurate and organized database of all training records, certifications, and historical data for compliance and reporting purposes.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of large-scale L&D events, such as leadership conferences or company-wide learning weeks.
  • Research and stay current with new training methods, industry trends, and best practices in learning coordination and delivery to recommend process improvements.
  • Support the onboarding process by scheduling and coordinating new hire orientation sessions and ensuring all foundational training is completed.
  • Manage the inventory of training supplies, materials, and equipment, reordering as necessary to ensure availability for all programs.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the development and curation of content for the Learning Management System (LMS) and other learning resource libraries.
  • Support the L&D Manager with annual budget planning, tracking, and reporting for all training activities.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects that have a significant training or change management component, providing logistical expertise.
  • Contribute to the creation of internal communications and intranet updates to highlight learning achievements and promote a culture of continuous development.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Learning Management System (LMS) Administration: Deep proficiency in managing platforms like Cornerstone, Docebo, Moodle, or SAP SuccessFactors.
  • Advanced Microsoft Office Suite: Expert-level skills in Outlook for complex scheduling, Excel for data tracking and reporting, PowerPoint for material creation, and Word for documentation.
  • Project Management Software: Experience using tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira to track tasks, timelines, and deliverables for multiple training projects.
  • Virtual Training Platforms: High level of comfort and technical skill with webinar and virtual classroom software such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, and Adobe Connect.
  • Survey and Polling Tools: Ability to create and manage feedback mechanisms using tools like SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or Qualtrics.
  • Budget Management: Experience with tracking expenses, processing invoices, and reporting against a set budget.
  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Competency in pulling, analyzing, and presenting data from various HRIS and LMS systems to create meaningful reports.
  • Vendor Management: Skills in sourcing, negotiating with, and managing relationships with external consultants and training suppliers.
  • Content Management: Basic ability to upload and organize digital content (videos, SCORM files, documents) within a learning platform.
  • Calendar Management: Exceptional ability to manage multiple, complex schedules and calendars without conflict.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Organizational Skills: The ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines with flawless execution.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A commitment to accuracy in all aspects of planning, from scheduling to material proofreading.
  • Proactive Problem-Solving: The foresight to anticipate potential issues and the resourcefulness to resolve them quickly and effectively.
  • Strong Interpersonal Skills: A collaborative and approachable demeanor, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Clear & Concise Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with learners, facilitators, and leadership.
  • Customer Service Orientation: A dedicated focus on providing a positive and supportive experience for all learners.
  • Adaptability and Flexibility: The capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment and pivot quickly when plans change.
  • Time Management: The ability to self-direct and prioritize tasks effectively to meet critical deadlines.
  • Resourcefulness: A knack for finding solutions and information independently.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a relevant field.
  • Professional certification in training or project management (e.g., CPTD, PMP) is highly regarded.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Human Resources
  • Business Administration
  • Education or Adult Learning
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of direct experience in a training coordination, event planning, or HR administrative role with a focus on learning and development.

Preferred: Demonstrated experience in a corporate environment managing logistics for a high volume of diverse training programs.

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