Workforce Development Manager

Colgate•Morristown, TN

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

This role oversees the learning strategy and execution for a manufacturing site, playing a critical role in elevating the skills of the manufacturing workforce. By aligning local learning plans directly to business objectives and operational performance, the manager ensures teams have the technical capabilities to succeed. The role leads the adoption of the learning ecosystem, partnering with internal leaders and external technical colleges to drive a culture of continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
5+ years in relevant technical training experience OR in learning & development
Experience in manufacturing, industrial, operational, military, or similar fast-paced environment
Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities
Proven ability to assess training needs, measure effectiveness, manage change initiatives, and adapt learning programs to evolving workplace requirements.

Nice To Haves

2+ years leading teams, leading across teams, and influencing others within manufacturing environment
Background in compliance, safety, GMP, or quality systems within highly regulated sectors (e.g., food, pharma, automotive)
Familiarity with 5S, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or similar methodologies
Experience developing or implementing digital tools, automated systems, or e-learning technologies to drive operational efficiency
Proven track record in implementing and managing manufacturing training programs (classroom, on-the-job, e-learning, etc.)
Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital learning tools
Ability to interpret training metrics, propose data-driven improvements, and report on training ROI
Proficiency with Google Suite applications

Responsibilities

Own the site’s learning strategy and implementation in partnership with local leadership, aligned with business objectives and plant KPIs
Responsible for site adherence of compliance and completion of learning programs and technician certification process, in partnership with local HR team
Partner with learning support network including internal Global Learning Council and technical colleges / 3rd party L&D relationships to execute strategy
Influence internal Global Learning Council to identify, prioritize, and develop content for specific site needs
Accountable for adoption, execution, and impact of learning ecosystem at the plant level, championing all learning initiatives
Build training and facilitation capability at site level to deploy learning locally for workplace competencies, technical training (i.e. Root Cause Analysis, Continuous Improvement, Safety, and product/category/machinery specific training) as well as facilitating training as needed
Identify the site’s peer coaches and local technical experts to ensure the site has capacity and capability needed to train
Engage technical colleges to ensure the curriculum is representative of site needs and complements strategic labor objectives (FAME?)
Establish and manage relationships with vendors to build and deliver site technical and product specific training in accordance with global processes and policies
Oversee skill gap assessments, utilize data to monitor training effectiveness (e.g., training metrics and ROI), and drive ongoing capability building and continuous improvement initiatives
Define and oversee site training budget, consult on performance gaps, and build a plant-wide culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing