We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Training & Workforce Development Manager to lead the next phase of our manufacturing training transformation. This role will be responsible for developing and executing a world-class training organization that supports employee growth from onboarding through advanced technical mastery and leadership development.
The ideal candidate will drive training standardization, workforce capability development, competency-based learning, cross-training initiatives, certification programs, and workforce readiness across multiple manufacturing sites. This individual will partner closely with Operations, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and Leadership teams to build a scalable workforce development system that supports operational excellence, employee engagement, and company growth.
Key ResponsibilitiesTraining Strategy & Workforce Development- Lead the development and execution of the company's workforce training and development strategy
- Build structured learning pathways from entry-level onboarding through advanced technical and leadership development
- Align training initiatives with operational, quality, safety, and business objectives
- Establish standardized training frameworks across manufacturing operations
- Drive continuous improvement of training systems, content, and delivery methods
Training Operations & Program Management- Manage training coordinators and training resources supporting manufacturing operations
- Oversee onboarding, functional skills training, technical development, compliance training, and leadership programs
- Ensure consistent execution of training standards across departments and facilities
- Coordinate training priorities in partnership with operations leaders
- Support deployment of hands-on learning initiatives and training center activities
Onboarding & Employee Development- Maintain and enhance structured onboarding programs including:
- New Hire Orientation
- First Day and Week One Programs
- 30-60-90 Day Development Plans
- Competency Evaluations
- Progress Reviews and Follow-Ups
- Improve new hire readiness, retention, and time-to-productivity
- Establish clear development plans for manufacturing employees at all levels
Competency Management & Training Matrix Administration- Lead development and maintenance of enterprise-wide training matrix systems
- Track employee skills, qualifications, certifications, equipment authorizations, and cross-training progress
- Provide visibility into workforce readiness, capability gaps, and succession risks
- Develop workforce capability dashboards and reporting tools
- Support strategic workforce planning through training data and analytics
Standardization & Documentation- Oversee standardization and governance of:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Work Instructions (WIs)
- Standard Work Documentation
- Competency Validation Forms
- Ensure documents support effective training and knowledge transfer
- Partner with department leaders to maintain accurate and current training materials
- Strengthen version control, ownership, and training integration processes
Cross-Training & Organizational Readiness- Develop and implement company-wide cross-training programs
- Create departmental cross-training maps and rotational development plans
- Reduce dependency on critical personnel through knowledge transfer initiatives
- Drive workforce flexibility and operational resilience
- Monitor and report department readiness and skill coverage levels
Compliance & Certification Programs- Oversee certification and recertification programs for manufacturing and safety-related activities
- Manage training requirements for equipment operation, material handling, safety systems, and department-specific certifications
- Ensure training compliance documentation and recordkeeping requirements are maintained
- Partner with Safety and Operations teams to support regulatory and company requirements
Training Analytics & Performance Metrics- Develop and maintain executive-level training dashboards and reporting systems
- Track and analyze:
- Training Completion Rates
- Competency Progression
- Certification Compliance
- Cross-Training Participation
- Onboarding Effectiveness
- Time-to-Proficiency
- Workforce Readiness
- Training ROI
- Use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives
Cross-Site Alignment & Leadership Partnership- Drive training alignment and standardization across multiple manufacturing facilities
- Facilitate sharing of best practices between sites and departments
- Partner with operational leaders to identify capability gaps and workforce development opportunities
- Support leadership development initiatives and succession planning efforts
- Serve as a key advisor to leadership on workforce capability and training strategy
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Business, Manufacturing, or related field preferred
- 7+ years of experience in training, workforce development, organizational development, manufacturing operations, or related field
- 3+ years of leadership experience managing training programs or teams
- Experience building structured training systems within a manufacturing, industrial, or operational environment
- Strong understanding of competency-based training, workforce development, and adult learning principles
- Experience developing training matrices, certification programs, and employee development pathways
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive change
- Strong analytical skills with experience utilizing training metrics and reporting tools
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Power BI, and Learning Management Systems (preferred)
- Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills
