Director Talent Development

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.

We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Come make a difference with us!

Learn more about BNSF and our Benefits

Job Location: Fort Worth
Other Potential Locations: Fort Worth, TX
Anticipated Start Date: 04/20/2026
Number of Positions: 1
Salary Range: $138,800-$170,000

Apply early as this job may be removed or filled prior to the closing date, which is approximately seven (7) days after the posting date.

At BNSF Railway, the Human Resource & Medical Department is dedicated to recruiting top talent, fostering employee development, and ensuring the health and well-being of our employees. With a focus on creating a vibrant workplace, the HR and Medical departments work together to support our employees so they can focus on meeting our customers' expectations safely and efficiently.

This is a full-time position located in Fort Worth, TX. Our leaders foster a culture where work life balance, which requires flexibility for when life happens, is important and respected.

The Director of Talent Development will design and execute enterprise-wide talent strategies that strengthen BNSF’s leadership pipeline and elevate organizational capability. This role is responsible for succession and talent planning, high potential development, performance management, mentoring programs, selection and development assessments, and executive coaching.

Grounded in the BNSF Leadership Model, this role will source, analyze, and interpret talent and organizational data to implement practical, scalable solutions that build future ready leaders and ensure BNSF maintains a healthy pipeline for mission critical roles.

This role reports to the AVP of Talent Management and leads three direct reports and several professional consulting partners.

Key Responsibilities

Provide vision, leadership, and strategic planning for the design and implementation of enterprise-wide talent management programs, including succession planning, talent reviews, and high potential development pathways.

Lead BNSF’s performance management philosophy, processes, and systems, ensuring alignment with enterprise goals and continuous improvement.

Oversee enterprise mentoring programs, ensuring quality, scalability, and meaningful development outcomes.

Manage and coordinate the use of validated talent assessments for selection, development, and leadership readiness.

Provide executive coaching and partner with internal/external coaches to support senior leader effectiveness and development.

Analyze, interpret, and present organizational talent data (succession indicators, performance trends, readiness ratings, assessment data) to inform decisions.

Identify, interpret, and track program evaluation data to inform improvements to talent systems and leader development programming.

Source, negotiate, and manage contracts with qualified consulting partners to support talent, assessment, and coaching initiatives.

Conduct benchmarking and apply emerging trends in talent management, performance, and leadership readiness to BNSF’s programs.

Partner with HR Matrix teams to ensure talent processes are coordinated, consistent, and supported across the organization.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in a related field (I/O Psychology, Human Resources, Organizational Development/Behavior).
• Eight or more years of talent management, organizational development, leadership development, or related HR experience.
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience conducting needs assessments and implementing enterprise-wide talent or development programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in a related field (I/O Psychology, HR, Organizational Behavior).
• Experience with assessments, talent analytics, or leadership evaluation tools.
• Facilitation and coaching experience.
• Vendor/contract management experience.

What Will Set You Apart

• Demonstrated success implementing enterprise wide talent management or succession programs with measurable results.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills with the ability to engage and gain commitment from senior executives.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with strict deadlines.
• Ability to identify, interpret, and track success metrics for talent programs.
• A strong ability to assess organizational needs and adapt to an environment with a highly developed, yet evolving, culture.

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

• An industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high-quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits including parental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program)
• Generous leave / time off policies.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

Please be aware of potential fraud that can occur when searching for new career opportunities. Please review our FAQ for more information and awareness.

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. You can find more information by reviewing the Hiring Process. Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC. More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

SF: MO | [[mfield5]] | Human Resources | Fort Worth, TX | 76131