Launch Planning Specialist

Ford • Dearborn, MI

18h • $112,680 - $212,760 • Hybrid

About The Position

In this position, the Launch Planning Specialist is responsible for facilitating manufacturing training development activities in manufacturing facilities, including leading cross-functional teams for launch training. This role serves as the primary Launch liaison between operations and the North America Learning and Development team. The specialist will work closely with plant operations to coordinate onboarding activities and training for new hires, as well as ongoing training for existing plant personnel on new skills and capabilities required for new technology, products, and processes related to Launch. The specialist will also work with operations to provide analysis of employee capability as required. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated people leader with a passion for training, an understanding of adult learning, and impeccable project/program management skills, exhibiting a high level of professionalism to support manufacturing employee development activities.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• Production, engineering and / or maintenance experience in a heavy manufacturing environment
• Ability to facilitate and coordinate development of comprehensive training plans for manufacturing facilities
• Experience leading, directing, and coaching manufacturing and maintenance training specialists
• Strong organizational, planning, project management, problem resolution, communication, facilitation and influencing skills required
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build relationships in a matrix organization taking direction and support from multiple levels of leadership
• Comfortable interfacing with management, hourly workforce, internal and external customers, and teams outside of your reporting structure
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and complete expected work while thriving in a fast-paced high pressure and dynamic environment
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Proficient in MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Familiarity with Learning Management System (LMS) and ability to learn how to create, coordinate, schedule, and track training processes.

Nice To Haves

• Technical or Manufacturing degree
• Launch experience

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive training strategy including budgets, staffing plans, timing, etc., to ensure the workforce is prepared for new product launches, technology adoption, or process changes.
• Utilize project management skills to manage multi-million-dollar training budgets, standards, timing, and resources.
• Write specifications to be included in supplier RFQ’s.
• Write requisitions in Ariba to facilitate issuing Purchase Orders.
• Ensure supplier technical training course materials are accessible electronically to plant personnel for future training needs.
• Ensure Product Specialist Group and Tooling & Equipment Group programs are in place and prepared to support launches as required.
• Implement, assess, and report all launch training following VO & PTO related launch tasks and deliverables (Safety, LQOS, Plan for Every Person, FPS, GPDS, etc.).
• Ensure training specifications are utilized by suppliers / OEMs, other providers, and internal customers to ensure effective implementation and evaluation of training.
• Coordinate training resource availability to enable delivery of the training plan, including training tooling & facilities, training vehicles & units, and training instructor availability.
• Work with the Manufacturing Business Office and/or Government Affairs to inquire on the potential availability of governmental incentive funding for hiring and training activities. Apply for and manage grant funds.
• Provide learning and development process leadership using established training standards, process, and tools.
• Maintain and report completion of training records in accordance with all internal / external regulations and laws, to support the overall structured manufacturing training program while ensuring the latest revisions of training materials are being delivered.
• Evaluate impact / effectiveness of training activities (Data collection, analysis, & reporting).
• Ensure the plant has the required facilities and equipment to satisfy program needs.
• Monitor effectiveness / certification (if required) of internal and external learning & development facilitators.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED