Manager of Operational Training & Development

Clarios • Milwaukee, WI

19d

About The Position

What you will do The Manager of Operational Training & Development leads the strategic development of training programs that build critical capabilities across the hourly workforce in the US/CAN region. This role integrates technical training into a broader talent development framework that supports career progression, workforce planning, and operational excellence. This role would create a common standard & clear set of guidelines for hourly workforce training, ranging from initial onboarding of new employees to certifications/recertification of more technical roles. The scope would include breaking down our more complex technical roles and generating a curriculum to train all shifts, reducing variability in our processes. This role would also lead the project to implement the curriculum with cross-functional support. The ideal candidate combines deep technical training expertise, large-scale project management experience, and a strategic mindset for talent development in industrial environments. How you will do it Strategic Talent Development Standardize hourly training programs and establish clear metrics to measure training completion and effectiveness across U.S. plants. Build and execute a comprehensive talent development strategy for operators and skilled trades aligned with business and workforce planning priorities. Create competency frameworks and career pathways for hourly roles and partner with HR/Operations to forecast skill needs and build internal pipelines. Technical Training & Upskilling Lead development and delivery of hands‑on technical training across production, quality, safety, lean, electrical, mechanical, and automation systems. Ensure training content reflects current and emerging technologies and is aligned with safety and compliance standards. Coordinate advanced development programs such as Train‑the‑Trainer, soft skills, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy training. Assessment & Certification Create standardized evaluations and skill confirmation protocols to validate technical competencies. Implement digital tracking of certifications, requalification schedules, and skill progression. Use data to identify skill gaps and inform targeted development plans. Leadership & Team Development Manage/coordinate a team of technical trainers, instructional designers, and program managers. Build a high-performance culture focused on continuous learning, safety, and operational excellence. Provide coaching and development opportunities for training staff. Stakeholder Engagement & Change Leadership Collaborate with plant leaders, maintenance managers, and HR business partners to ensure training programs meet operational needs. Lead change management efforts related to technology upgrades, process improvements, and workforce transformation. Communicate program impact, ROI, and progress to senior leadership while supporting the Joint Employee‑Management Training Council. Technology & Innovation Leverage learning management systems (LMS), simulation tools, and digital platforms to enhance training delivery. Explore partnerships with technical schools, community colleges, and industry associations to expand learning opportunities. What we look for Required Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Education, or related field (Master’s preferred). 10+ years of experience in technical training, workforce development, or talent strategy. Strong knowledge of maintenance systems, electrical theory, automation, and PLCs. Experience integrating technical training into broader talent development strategies. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational capability building. Preferred Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environments. Familiarity with computerized maintenance management system systems, supervisory control and data acquisition, and industrial automation platforms. Knowledge of OSHA and other safety standards. Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS) platforms, digital learning tools, and data analytics for training impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Education, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in technical training, workforce development, or talent strategy.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance systems, electrical theory, automation, and PLCs.
• Experience integrating technical training into broader talent development strategies.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational capability building.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environments.
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management system systems, supervisory control and data acquisition, and industrial automation platforms.
• Knowledge of OSHA and other safety standards.
• Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS) platforms, digital learning tools, and data analytics for training impact.

Responsibilities

• Standardize hourly training programs and establish clear metrics to measure training completion and effectiveness across U.S. plants.
• Build and execute a comprehensive talent development strategy for operators and skilled trades aligned with business and workforce planning priorities.
• Create competency frameworks and career pathways for hourly roles and partner with HR/Operations to forecast skill needs and build internal pipelines.
• Lead development and delivery of hands‑on technical training across production, quality, safety, lean, electrical, mechanical, and automation systems.
• Ensure training content reflects current and emerging technologies and is aligned with safety and compliance standards.
• Coordinate advanced development programs such as Train‑the‑Trainer, soft skills, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy training.
• Create standardized evaluations and skill confirmation protocols to validate technical competencies.
• Implement digital tracking of certifications, requalification schedules, and skill progression.
• Use data to identify skill gaps and inform targeted development plans.
• Manage/coordinate a team of technical trainers, instructional designers, and program managers.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on continuous learning, safety, and operational excellence.
• Provide coaching and development opportunities for training staff.
• Collaborate with plant leaders, maintenance managers, and HR business partners to ensure training programs meet operational needs.
• Lead change management efforts related to technology upgrades, process improvements, and workforce transformation.
• Communicate program impact, ROI, and progress to senior leadership while supporting the Joint Employee‑Management Training Council.
• Leverage learning management systems (LMS), simulation tools, and digital platforms to enhance training delivery.
• Explore partnerships with technical schools, community colleges, and industry associations to expand learning opportunities.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching – all starting on date of hire
• Tuition reimbursement, perks, and discounts
• Parental and caregiver leave programs
• All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short-and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and domestic partner benefits
• Global market strength and worldwide market share leadership
• HQ location earns LEED certification for sustainability plus a full-service cafeteria and workout facility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager