Workforce Development Specialist

IMEC Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center • Peoria, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Workforce Development Specialist is a hands-on advisor who leads the implementation of workforce improvement solutions for manufacturers across Illinois. As a subject matter expert, this role delivers high-impact solutions tailored to client needs, including workforce training systems, onboarding, training and development, career pathways, and performance improvement initiatives. The Workforce Development Specialist partners with client teams to design and implement sustainable workforce solutions that strengthen employee development, align workforce strategies with business objectives, and drive measurable improvements in organizational performance.

Requirements

• MUST RESIDE IN ILLINOIS
• Work authorization required. IMEC is unable to sponsor visas for this role.
• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3+ years of experience working with manufacturing organizations, including leadership, workforce development, talent management, training, human resources, organizational development, or consulting responsibilities
• Strong background in workforce development, talent management, training systems, organizational development, human resources, leadership development, or a related field
• Ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously and meet project deadlines
• Adaptability in diverse environments, including varied manufacturing sectors, multiple touch points across organizations, and company cultures
• Entrepreneurial and client-focused approach with the ability to assess varying levels of organizational readiness and tailor solutions that align with client needs, priorities, and continuous improvement goals
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual collaboration platforms
• Willingness to travel across the state and work in both remote and onsite environments
• Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience working with small and mid-sized manufacturers is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Engage with manufacturers to understand workforce development challenges and design solutions that strengthen onboarding, training effectiveness, and employee development, that leads to strong retention, and improved organizational performance.
• Provide strategic guidance to manufacturers that helps them build a long-term approach to workforce development success.
• Provide training, coaching, and workforce performance expertise based on client needs and area(s) of specialization.
• Develop proposals and solution plans in collaboration with Regional Managers
• Manage and execute workforce performance engagements from planning through implementation and outcome tracking, including:
• Conducting workforce needs diagnostics to identify capability gaps, workforce training challenges, and improvement opportunities.
• Designing and implementing structured onboarding programs that improve employee integration and time to proficiency.
• Developing and implementing workforce training systems, including Learning Management System (LMS) integration and training processes that improve consistency and effectiveness.
• Designing apprenticeship programs and defined career pathway frameworks that support employee development and long-term workforce sustainability.
• Developing supervisors by providing tools, frameworks, coaching approaches, and training solutions that strengthen their ability to effectively lead, coach, and develop employees.
• Develop custom curriculum including educational videos, job aids, training presentations, and other materials as required.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and workforce performance lead throughout the client engagement lifecycle.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of workforce development solutions offered by IMEC.
• Provide thought leadership in workforce performance and development through webinars, public speaking engagements, and published articles.
• Support the development of third-party resources and strategic partnerships that strengthen workforce performance solutions and services.

Benefits

• IMEC team members enjoy their jobs because of the challenge of working with a variety of organizations in a broad range of industries. They also gain satisfaction from providing assistance and advisement to help organizations succeed in a demanding marketplace.

What This Job Offers

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