Job Summary:

The VP, Learning & Development is expected to build the learning and development function at Howard Energy Partners. This is not a role that inherits a mature program—it creates one. That includes defining a clear philosophy for development, designing programs that fit the business, and building a small team and supporting infrastructure over time. The focus is on durability and usefulness, not scale for scale’s sake. Everything built should help managers develop people better and help employees grow through real work.

With a strong understanding of adult learning and leadership development, this role creates space for learning that is practical, relevant, and grounded in real work and real relationships. This leader meets people where they are, helps them stretch thoughtfully, and supports growth that is sustainable and real.

Duties/Responsibilities:

People Development & Growth

• Support the growth and development of employees and leaders at all stages of their careers through sustainable programs.
• Create a program of learning experiences that help people build skills, confidence, and clarity in how they show up and lead.
• Encourage ownership of individual development and reinforce the belief that growth is ongoing and expected.

Learning Experience Design & Facilitation

• Design and deliver learning experiences that are engaging, relevant, and grounded in real-world work and leadership challenges.
• Facilitate learning through conversation, reflection, practice, and shared experience.
• Adapt learning approaches to meet people where they are and support different learning styles and needs.

Leadership Development & Coaching

• Support leaders in growing their impact through intentional development experiences.
• Provide coaching and guidance that helps leaders better develop and support their teams.
• Reinforce leadership behaviors that are people-centered, thoughtful, and development-focused.

Listening, Insight & Responsiveness

• Stay closely connected to employees and leaders to understand where growth and development are most needed.
• Use feedback, dialogue, and observation to continuously shape and refine learning experiences.
• Ensure development efforts remain relevant, supportive, and aligned with the evolving organization.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Genuine passion for helping people learn, grow, and develop.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to engage leaders and frontline employees alike.
• Proven ability to build programs and capabilities from the ground up—moving from concept to execution and sustained use.
• Ability to create high trust, engaging learning environments.
• Experience building, leading, and developing small teams, including deciding when to scale and when not to.
• Sound judgement, steadiness, and emotional intelligence in complex, real world situations.
• Comfort in balancing structure with flexibility, and consistency with pragmatism.
• Model curiosity, humility, and commitment to personal growth though words and action.
• Serve as a visible advocate for learning and development across the organization.
• Act with care, professionalism, and discretion in all learning, coaching and development interactions.
• Developmentally oriented while remaining results focused and accountable for impact.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; equivalent experience considered.
• 15+ years of experience supporting learning, development, or leadership growth.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating development-focused learning experiences.

Certifications:

• None required

Physical Demands and Hazards for Office Employees:

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting, frequent computer use, occasional lifting of office supplies, and may involve travel.

Howard Energy Partners is an equal opportunity employer. If you need additional information, have questions, or need accommodations, please reach out to the Human Resources department at hr.team@howardep.com.