The Manufacturing Learning & Capability Lead is responsible for designing and implementing Isola's manufacturing learning and capability framework. This role transforms manufacturing processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), engineering documentation, and operational best practices into structured learning curriculum that develops a safe, skilled, and flexible manufacturing workforce.
Reporting to the CHRO with strong partnership across Operations, Engineering, Quality, EHS, and Manufacturing Excellence, this position establishes the infrastructure that enables operators, technicians, production leaders, and trainers to consistently develop the right skills at the right time.
Initially supporting North America, this role is expected to establish scalable standards that can ultimately support Isola's global manufacturing network.
This role focuses primarily on Direct Labor (DL) and Indirect Labor (IDL), while also supporting the development of frontline manufacturing leadership capabilities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESCurriculum & Content Development- Translate complex manufacturing processes into practical learning experiences using adult learning principles.
- Develop instructor guides, learner guides, job aids, visual work instructions, videos and eLearning modules.
- Partner with SMEs to validate technical accuracy.
- Ensure all learning content remains aligned with current process documentation and engineering revisions.
- Maintain standardized content within the LMS and Document Management System.
Skills & Competency Management- Update and maintain manufacturing skills matrices by role.
- Define required competencies for every manufacturing position.
- Partner with Operations to identify critical capability gaps.
- Establish certification and recertification processes.
- Build systems that support workforce flexibility through cross-training and multiskilling.
Training Infrastructure- Design the overall manufacturing training infrastructure, including learning pathways, governance, documentation standards and measurement systems.
- Establish standards for onboarding, OJT, instructor-led training, digital learning and reinforcement.
- Develop training governance processes ensuring consistent execution across facilities.
- Recommend and implement appropriate learning technologies and delivery methods.
Trainer Excellence- Identify, select and develop plant trainers and subject matter experts.
- Create Train-the-Trainer certification programs.
- Coach frontline trainers on instructional techniques and adult learning.
- Build a community of manufacturing trainers that share best practices across locations.
- Evaluate trainer effectiveness and provide ongoing development.
Learning Delivery StrategyRather than personally delivering most training, this role:
- Determines the most effective delivery methodology for each learning objective.
- Blends classroom, OJT, coaching, digital learning, simulations and reinforcement.
- Ensures training is delivered consistently regardless of site.
- Supports implementation and continuous improvement of learning programs.
Continuous Improvement- Measure training effectiveness through competency assessments and operational KPIs.
- Analyze learning data to identify capability gaps.
- Improve curriculum based on production performance, quality metrics and learner feedback.
- Support Manufacturing Excellence initiatives through workforce capability development.
QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Education, Organizational Development, related discipline or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing.
- 3+ years designing manufacturing training systems, curriculum or workforce development programs.
- Experience developing SOP-based learning content.
- Experience creating competency models or skills matrices.
- Strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design.
- Experience implementing or administering Learning Management Systems.
- Demonstrated ability to influence leaders without direct authority.
Preferred Experience- Multi-site manufacturing experience.
- Global manufacturing experience.
- Experience in high-mix technical manufacturing.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
- Instructional Design certification.
- Experience with Articulate, Camtasia, Vyond or similar authoring tools.
- Experience building Train-the-Trainer programs.
SUCCESS MEASURESWithin the first 24 months this role will:
- Build standardized manufacturing curriculum for all core production roles.
- Develop enterprise manufacturing competency matrices.
- Establish role-based learning pathways.
- Implement standardized Train-the-Trainer certification.
- Improve manufacturing onboarding consistency.
- Increase workforce flexibility through structured cross-training.
- Establish learning analytics and competency dashboards.
- Create a scalable foundation for global manufacturing capability development.
