Staff Talent Programs Manager - Performance & Learning

IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution. 

We are looking for a Staff People Program Manager - Performance & Learning. In your role, you’ll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex problems. 

This role will partner closely with the Director, People Programs to design and scale enterprise talent programs that strengthen employee performance, accelerate capability development, and enhance the manager and employee experience. You will play a key role in implementing and operationalizing our performance management strategy, building a scalable learning ecosystem, and leading high-impact talent initiatives across the organization.

You will lead the design, launch, and enterprise-wide rollout of high-impact People programs. to build foundational Learning & Development (L&D) capabilities from the ground up while driving cross-functional HR initiatives that elevate the employee and manager experience.

Responsibilities

1. Performance Management Program Leadership

• Lead the strategy, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company’s performance management framework.
• Manage the end-to-end performance cycle including goal setting, feedback processes, reviews, calibration, and development planning.
• Partner with HRBPs and senior leaders to drive adoption of performance practices and ensure consistency across the organization.
• Design tools, resources, and manager enablement programs to strengthen performance conversations and feedback culture.
• Implement and optimize performance management technology and workflows.
• Track program adoption and effectiveness through metrics, reporting, and insights.
• Continuously evolve the performance framework to align with business growth and talent development priorities.

2. Learning Strategy, LMS Implementation & Program Development

• Build and scale a modern learning ecosystem that supports employee development and organizational capability.
• Partner with the Director, People Programs to define the company’s learning and development strategy.
• Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of a Learning Management System (LMS).
• Design scalable learning architecture including onboarding, manager development, role-based training, and leadership programs.
• Develop structured learning pathways aligned to career development and capability building.
• Establish governance for learning content, curriculum standards, and learning experiences.
• Partner with leaders to identify critical skill gaps and future capability needs.
• Implement measurement frameworks to track learning engagement, skill development, and program impact.

3. Employee & Manager Development Programs

Design programs that strengthen employee growth and manager effectiveness across the organization.

• New Hire Experience
  
  • Create scalable onboarding frameworks and learning experiences across teams.
  • Enable managers with onboarding playbooks, expectations, and resources to support new hires.
  • Measure and optimize onboarding effectiveness, ramp time, and engagement.
• Manager Development
  • Develop programs that support managers across the full lifecycle (new manager onboarding, ongoing capability building, and leadership development).
  • Create scalable toolkits, training, and playbooks to improve manager effectiveness.
  • Partner with HRBPs to align development programs with business needs and team dynamics.

4. Enterprise Talent Program Management

• Lead cross-functional talent programs that support employee growth, engagement, and organizational capability.
• Partner with HR COEs (Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, HRBPs, DEI, People Analytics) to design and implement integrated talent initiatives.
• Manage program roadmaps, timelines, milestones, and success metrics.
• Drive stakeholder alignment across People, Finance, Legal, IT, and business leadership.
• Lead change management strategies for new talent programs and systems.
• Establish dashboards and KPIs to monitor adoption, engagement, and business impact.

5. M&A Talent Integration Support

• Support the integration of talent programs during mergers and acquisitions.
• Participate in People due diligence efforts related to talent processes and programs.
• Support integration of performance management, onboarding, and learning programs for acquired teams.
• Partner with People leaders to ensure smooth cultural and operational transitions.

You’d be a good fit with

• 8+ years of experience in Talent Programs, Learning & Development, HR Program Management, or People Operations.
• Experience managing performance management programs or performance cycles.
• Experience implementing or administering a Learning Management System (LMS).
• Proven ability to launch and scale enterprise talent or learning initiatives.
• Strong program management capabilities including planning, stakeholder management, and risk mitigation.
• Experience collaborating with HR COEs and business leaders.
• Experience using data and insights to measure program effectiveness and drive improvements.

You’d be a great fit with

• Experience implementing performance management platforms (e.g, Workday, CultureAmp).
• Experience selecting or implementing an LMS or learning platform.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on program execution.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influence skills.
• Strong change management capabilities during program rollouts.
• Analytical and metrics-driven approach to program evaluation.
• Ability to build scalable programs in fast-growing or evolving organizations.
• Excellent executive communication and presentation skills.

Location: This role may be based anywhere in the United States.
Travel: Expected travel up to approximately 25%
Job ID: 1413

The approximate base salary range for this position is $128,445 - $167,497. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs.  Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance! 

IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!
 
At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
 
We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions.  Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls.  Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone.  Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.  

US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!