Why This Job is Featured on The SaaS Jobs
This Learning and Development Manager role stands out in SaaS because it sits at the intersection of product innovation and organisational capability. In an AI-focused software company building tooling for developers and enterprises, internal learning is not a support function so much as an operating system for keeping pace with new models, platforms, and customer use cases. The remit to establish L&D from scratch signals a company stage where systems and standards are being formalised, not merely maintained.
For a SaaS career, this kind of mandate builds durable leverage. Designing programs, assessing skill gaps, and measuring outcomes translates well across subscription businesses where teams iterate continuously and knowledge becomes a competitive constraint. The work also creates broad exposure to how engineering, product, go-to-market, and leadership teams adopt new practices, which is especially relevant in AI-driven SaaS where tooling and workflows change quickly.
The role is best suited to an experienced L&D leader who prefers building frameworks and operating rhythms rather than inheriting mature processes. It will fit someone comfortable partnering with technical stakeholders, turning complex concepts into usable learning, and using data to refine programs over time.
The section above is editorial commentary from The SaaS Jobs, provided to help SaaS professionals understand the role in a broader industry context.
Job Description
Who are we?
Our mission is to scale intelligence to serve humanity. We’re training and deploying frontier models for developers and enterprises who are building AI systems to power magical experiences like content generation, semantic search, RAG, and agents. We believe that our work is instrumental to the widespread adoption of AI.
We obsess over what we build. Each one of us is responsible for contributing to increasing the capabilities of our models and the value they drive for our customers. We like to work hard and move fast to do what’s best for our customers.
Cohere is a team of researchers, engineers, designers, and more, who are passionate about their craft. Each person is one of the best in the world at what they do. We believe that a diverse range of perspectives is a requirement for building great products.
Join us on our mission and shape the future!
Role Overview
The Learning and Development Manager will have the unique opportunity to build the L&D function from scratch at Cohere. This senior level individual contributor role is critical to establishing a foundation for continuous learning and skill development as the company grows. You’ll design, implement, and scale programs that cultivate the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of Cohere’s employees, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of AI innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Build the Foundation: Create and launch the L&D function, including defining its vision, strategy, and roadmap aligned with Cohere’s growth objectives.
Program Design & Delivery: Develop and execute learning initiatives from the ground up, including technical training, leadership development, and soft skills programs.
Needs Assessment: Identify skill gaps and learning needs across the organization through surveys, interviews, and performance data to inform program development.
Content Creation: Curate and create high-quality learning materials, including workshops, e-learning modules, and resources tailored to Cohere’s unique context.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with leaders, managers, and teams to ensure learning programs are relevant, impactful, and integrated into daily workflows.
Evaluation & Improvement: Measure the effectiveness of learning initiatives using metrics like engagement, skill acquisition, and business impact, and iterate based on feedback.
Culture Building: Foster a culture of continuous learning by promoting growth mindsets, recognizing achievements, and encouraging knowledge sharing.
External Partnerships: Identify and collaborate with external vendors, thought leaders, or institutions to enhance Cohere’s learning offerings.
Qualifications
Experience: 7+ years in a senior level impactful role in learning and development, with a proven track record of building and scaling L&D functions in tech or AI-driven environments.
Skills: Strong project management, communication, and facilitation skills. Ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible learning content.
Knowledge: Familiarity with adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and learning technologies (e.g., LMS platforms).
Mindset: Passion for empowering individuals and teams to reach their full potential. Alignment with Cohere’s values of innovation, collaboration, and integrity.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Organizational Development, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
If some of the above doesn’t line up perfectly with your experience, we still encourage you to apply!
We value and celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive work environment for all. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal opportunities. Should you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please submit an Accommodations Request Form, and we will work together to meet your needs.
Full-Time Employees at Cohere enjoy these Perks:
🤝 An open and inclusive culture and work environment
🧑💻 Work closely with a team on the cutting edge of AI research
🍽 Weekly lunch stipend, in-office lunches & snacks
🦷 Full health and dental benefits, including a separate budget to take care of your mental health
🐣 100% Parental Leave top-up for up to 6 months
🎨 Personal enrichment benefits towards arts and culture, fitness and well-being, quality time, and workspace improvement
🏙 Remote-flexible, offices in Toronto, New York, San Francisco, London and Paris, as well as a co-working stipend
✈️ 6 weeks of vacation (30 working days!)
