PATRICIA SAMES
Highland Mills
Summary
Results-oriented Instructional Designer/Training Leader with over 20 years of experience leading successful global initiatives. Skilled in managing cross-functional teams, leveraging data analytics for business growth, and delivering complex projects under tight deadlines. Adept at leading multicultural teams, defining program scope, aligning project goals with organizational objectives, and consistently delivering projects on time and within budget across domestic and international markets.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
L&D UpSkill LLC
01.2023 - Current
- Development of highly engaging and effective training programs designed for diverse technical and sales audiences, collaborating strategically with automotive learning and development agencies.
- Specialized in creating and overseeing the production of comprehensive technical training materials, including Instructor-Led Training (ILT), Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT), video content, and microlearning solutions, covering critical areas such as vehicle launches, in-depth product knowledge, complex systems operations, high-voltage safety protocols, and cutting-edge electric vehicle technology for automotive OEMs.
Assisting Manager - Technical Training & Development
Mercedes-Benz Manhattan
02.2022 - 03.2023
- Strategically optimized workshop efficiency by leading initiatives focused on technician performance enhancement, onboarding acceleration, and technical proficiency development.
- Designed and deployed targeted technical training programs covering critical product, systems, and warranty information.
- Orchestrated impactful weekly live workshops, yielding tangible improvements in technician output and elevating customer satisfaction levels.
- Managed team performance through regular feedback and targeted training initiatives.
Program Manager
Visa
03.2021 - 05.2021
- Content development, delivery, and training administration, with relevant and compelling learning experiences that engage and educate internal and external clients
- Drive process improvements including developing project management templates, checklists and best practices to drive change towards Agile project management and way of working
Program Manager
COX Communications
12.2019 - 03.2020
- Manage global learning programs within given constraints of scope, schedule, budget, and quality
- Content development, delivery, and training administration, with relevant and compelling learning experiences that engage and educate internal and external clients
- Drive process improvements including developing project management templates, checklists and best practices to drive change towards Agile project management and way of working
- Vendor management, including completing statements of work, screening vendor resources, onboarding, managing utilization and budget and proactive review of vendor quality
Advantage Engineers
SF Market
01.2018 - 11.2019
- Reduced project analysis and reporting process time by + 50% for active Construction Projects for SF Market by implementing/maintaining project management platform tracking 700+ projects
- Designed and implemented new performance management process for all job levels resulting in higher performance output, cross-functional collaboration, career pathways for each team member
- Lead data integrity initiative for SF Market, resulting in 100% compliance meeting all client requirements
Program Manager
Google
05.2015 - 05.2017
- Spearheaded global product excellence initiatives by developing and implementing powerful training strategies.
- Influenced critical Learning and Development strategies and decisions with global key stakeholders within the People Development department.
- Established and defined program parameters to ensure the achievement of strategic and shared organizational goals.
- Managed and analyzed performance metrics for over 3,000 learning programs and supported 10,000+ facilitators, driving data-informed decisions for program optimization.
Manager, Technical Training
Mercedes-Benz Australia
06.2011 - 02.2015
- Established and scaled a best-in-class Learning and Development organization, implementing advanced methodologies to drive substantial business impact for the Mercedes-Benz portfolio.
- Designed and executed a robust training strategy, continuously assessing organizational needs to drive successful learning outcomes.
- Served as a strategic business partner, generating critical insights and key findings to effectively influence stakeholders and drive action on strategic initiatives.
- Anticipated and addressed potential business challenges and opportunities by leveraging deep market, industry, and cross-functional knowledge.
- Exerted significant influence with global stakeholders on overarching business strategies, ensuring consistent alignment with organizational objectives to drive substantial business impact.
- Provided strategic direction and expert consultation to partners and peers, integrating external and internal business perspectives to address issues and implement leading-edge industry practices.
- Defined and established clear parameters for achieving shared strategic goals, proactively identifying potential barriers and opportunities for goal accomplishment.
- Spearheaded corporate-wide strategic initiatives, demonstrating leadership in their establishment and execution to consistently achieve organizational objectives.
Supervisor, Instructional Design
Mercedes-Benz USA
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Guided Technical Instructional Designers to successfully implement training programs, enhancing learning outcomes across the organization.
- Enhanced training efficacy through strategic utilization of MBUSA and Daimler's comprehensive knowledge repository, integrating industry know-how and best practices.
- Streamlined information resource management, ensuring timely access to critical intellectual assets and benchmarking data to optimize learning products.
- Spearheaded the evolution of learning initiatives by integrating cutting-edge market intelligence on learning, performance, and development, positively impacting the development of 5,500+ service professionals and 360 dealer outlets.
Knowledge Manager
Mercedes-Benz USA
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Strategically targeted performance gaps and increased dealer profit opportunities, by analyzing, monitoring and identifying trends, through integrating learning strategies and initiatives
- Created effective and measurable application, and use of learning solutions, by ensuring strategic use of information
Concept Developer New Vehicle Projects
Daimler AG
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Spearheaded the development of comprehensive technical training curriculum for new vehicle launches, driving collaboration with development teams.
- Managed the end-to-end design, development, and production of technical training materials, encompassing diagnostics, systems, and product knowledge, for Passenger Cars (PC), Vans, Trucks, and Fleet vehicles.
- Collaborated directly with factory development areas (engineering/design) in Germany to gather critical product information and translate technical specifications into effective learning solutions.
- Oversaw and managed the creation and localization (including updates and translations) of essential Workshop Information Systems to support new vehicle service procedures across markets.
- Established new eLearning and programming standards to ensure consistent implementation of international training programs across markets.
- Identified US market-specific training needs for new vehicle technologies (including high-voltage safety and EV technologies) through cooperation with performance specialists, programmers, and vendors.
Technical Curriculum Developer
Mercedes-Benz USA
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Designed, developed, and produced advanced technical learning solutions, programs, and services through collaborative partnerships with knowledge management and learning & performance architects.
- Engineered effective and innovative learning architectures by analyzing identified needs, learning objectives, and inputs from diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- Oversaw and managed the full lifecycle of design, development, and production for learner-centered products and programs, consistently adhering to prescribed budgets and timelines.
- Assembled and led high-performing cross-functional development teams, comprising internal departments, performance specialists, and external vendors, to drive project success.
Team Leader Mercedes Benz Education Center NE
Mercedes-Benz USA
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Supervised a team of 8 Full-Time Technical Performance Specialists, overseeing the delivery of technical curriculum to dealership personnel nationwide.
- Monitored and evaluated team performance, developed personalized development plans, and provided extensive mentoring and coaching to enhance technical training effectiveness.
- Managed the maintenance and procurement of a specialized vehicle fleet essential for supporting training curriculum delivery.
- Coordinated and organized comprehensive technical and retail course offerings, ensuring efficient scheduling and resource allocation.
- Served as the primary liaison for dealership personnel, addressing inquiries and fostering strong communication channels.
- Attended and actively participated in international and domestic Train-the-Trainer events to acquire and disseminate expertise for new vehicle launches.
- Collaborated with diverse internal and external business partners to strategically support vehicle launches on a national level.
Technical Performance Specialist
Mercedes-Benz USA
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Facilitated technical training courses (ILT) for automotive technicians , Field Technical Specialists professionals, Service Managers, Parts Managers and Service Advisors.
- Developed and revised comprehensive training guides, and practical exercises, consistently ensuring materials were tailored to specific learning needs and maintained the highest standards for quality, innovation, and client focus.
- Administered technical competence assessments, including digital knowledge evaluations and hands-on practical skill assessments, to accurately identify individual and group training needs.
- Provided hands-on instruction and bay-side coaching during practical training sessions, ensuring effective skill transfer and application in real-world scenarios.
- Collaborated extensively with curriculum developers to design and refine course content and training materials, ensuring alignment with industry standards and OEM requirements.
- Monitored technician performance and progress through the learning management system, providing targeted feedback and support to optimize learning outcomes and enhance technical proficiency within the workshop.
- Contributed to the continuous improvement of training programs by analyzing post-training performance data and incorporating feedback from trainees and stakeholders
Skills
- Data integrity oversight
- Knowledgeable in automotive industry trends
- Instructional design proficiency
- High voltage systems knowledge
- Digital content creation
- Innovative evaluation strategies
- Effective problem-solving skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Cultivating strong partnerships
- Customer service expertise
Websites
LANGUAGES
English - Proficient
German - Native
Timeline
Owner
L&D UpSkill LLC
01.2023 - Current
Assisting Manager - Technical Training & Development
Mercedes-Benz Manhattan
02.2022 - 03.2023
Program Manager
Visa
03.2021 - 05.2021
Program Manager
COX Communications
12.2019 - 03.2020
Advantage Engineers
SF Market
01.2018 - 11.2019
Program Manager
Google
05.2015 - 05.2017
Manager, Technical Training
Mercedes-Benz Australia
06.2011 - 02.2015
Supervisor, Instructional Design
Mercedes-Benz USA
01.2010 - 01.2011
Knowledge Manager
Mercedes-Benz USA
01.2009 - 01.2010
Concept Developer New Vehicle Projects
Daimler AG
01.2007 - 01.2009
Technical Curriculum Developer
Mercedes-Benz USA
01.2005 - 01.2007
Team Leader Mercedes Benz Education Center NE
Mercedes-Benz USA
01.2003 - 01.2005
Technical Performance Specialist
Mercedes-Benz USA
01.2001 - 01.2003
Similar Profiles
SHARMIN AKTERSHARMIN AKTER
IT Consultant at Upskill ConsultancyIT Consultant at Upskill Consultancy
Kathryn LottKathryn Lott
Director of Client Services at Upskill CoachingDirector of Client Services at Upskill Coaching
KINLEY WANGCHUKKINLEY WANGCHUK
PROJECT COORDINATOR at UpSkill BhutanPROJECT COORDINATOR at UpSkill Bhutan
Jake BostonJake Boston
Assistant Golf Professional at The Kittansett ClubAssistant Golf Professional at The Kittansett Club
Benjamin LaSalaBenjamin LaSala
Assistant Manager at Infinite Auto MallAssistant Manager at Infinite Auto Mall