Vice President, Training & Development
APCO Holdings
Reports to: Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)
Position Overview
The Vice President of Training & Development is a senior executive responsible for designing, leading, and executing APCO’s enterprise‑wide training strategy across all brands and revenue channels. This leader oversees all curriculum development, in‑person and virtual training delivery, digital learning platforms, and the evolution of APCO’s AI‑enabled dealer performance ecosystem.
This role ensures APCO delivers industry‑leading F&I, sales, leadership, and operational training to franchise dealers, independent dealers, agents, and internal field teams. The VP will elevate APCO’s training capabilities into a scalable, modernized academy that drives measurable dealer performance and revenue growth.
Key Responsibilities
1. Enterprise Training Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute APCO’s comprehensive training strategy across all channels (Franchise, Independent/GWC, RV, Marine, Powersports, Credit Union, and Chemical/Glassparency).
- Lead the transformation of APCO’s training ecosystem into a modern, scalable, technology‑enabled academy.
- Partner with the CRO to align training priorities with revenue goals, dealer performance metrics, and channel‑specific needs.
2. Curriculum Development & Program Ownership
Oversee creation, modernization, and continuous improvement of all APCO training programs, including:
Core Programs
- F&I training
- Sales training
- Leadership and management development
- AFIP certification training
- MotorTrend Certified training
- EasyCare Total Performance Academy
- DealerPro curriculum
Curriculum Responsibilities
- Build structured, multi‑level learning paths for F&I managers, sales teams, GSMs, GMs, and dealer principals.
- Ensure all curriculum is data‑driven, compliant, and aligned with OEM, regulatory, and industry standards.
- Integrate AI‑driven personalization and adaptive learning models.
3. Digital Learning Platforms & AI Enablement
Serve as executive owner of APCO’s digital training ecosystem:
Platforms
- EasyCoach (Siro) – coaching, performance tracking, and skill development
- EasyInsights – analytics, reporting, and dealer performance dashboards
- Video University – on‑demand learning library
- AI‑powered training modules – generative learning, simulations, and adaptive content
Responsibilities
- Drive platform adoption across field teams and dealers.
- Partner with Product & Technology to enhance functionality, content integration, and user experience.
- Ensure training data feeds into dealer performance insights and revenue‑impact reporting.
4. Training Delivery & Field Execution
- Lead all in‑person, virtual, and hybrid training delivery across the U.S.
- Personally conduct select high‑impact classes, executive sessions, and dealer workshops.
- Oversee scheduling, logistics, and coordination for all training events.
- Ensure consistent delivery quality across all trainers and programs.
5. Leadership of Training Organization
Directly oversee the full training organization, including:
Direct Reports
- DealerPro Training Team
- Internal Training Scheduler & Administrative Support
- AFIP‑Certified Trainer(s)
- MotorTrend Training Team
- F&I and Sales Training Staff
- EasyCare Field Team Training Academy Leads
Leadership Responsibilities
- Recruit, develop, and mentor a high‑performing training team.
- Establish KPIs for training effectiveness, dealer performance lift, and ROI.
- Build a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
6. EasyCare Field Teams Training Academy
- Serve as executive lead for the EasyCare Field Teams Training Academy.
- Build structured onboarding, certification, and ongoing development paths for all field personnel.
- Ensure alignment with CRO’s revenue strategy and channel‑specific performance goals.
7. Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with:
- Sales Leadership – to align training with channel needs
- Product & Technology – to enhance digital learning platforms
- Marketing – to support content creation and brand alignment
- HR/Talent Development – to integrate internal leadership programs
- Operations – to ensure training supports dealer lifecycle and retention
Qualifications
- 10–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in automotive F&I, dealership training, or performance development.
- Deep expertise in F&I, sales process, compliance, and dealership operations.
- Proven success building or scaling training academies or enterprise learning programs.
- Experience with digital learning platforms, LMS systems, and AI‑enabled training tools.
- Strong executive presence with the ability to teach, influence, and inspire at all levels.
- Exceptional communication, curriculum design, and facilitation skills.
- AFIP certification preferred; ability to maintain certification required.
Success Measures
- Increased dealer performance (PVR, product penetration, CSI, retention).
- Adoption and utilization of EasyCoach, EasyInsights, and Video University.
- Improved field team competency and certification completion rates.
- Scalable, modernized training curriculum with measurable ROI.
- Strong alignment between training outputs and CRO revenue objectives.
- Positive dealer feedback and increased training‑driven revenue lift.
