Workforce Development & Strategic Partnerships Specialist

Hanwha Philly Shipyard•Philadelphia, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Workforce Development & Strategic Partnerships Specialist develops and maintains external partnerships and workforce pathways that support Hanwha Philly Shipyard’s current and future skilled-trades staffing needs. The role serves as the primary contact for workforce development partners and coordinates engagement, program activities, and candidate referrals. It also represents the shipyard on educational advisory boards, workforce development committees, and regional industry initiatives. The specialist works with internal Training, Production, Talent Acquisition, and Human Resources teams, along with educational institutions and community organizations, to align training and education programs with shipyard requirements. The position supports pre-apprenticeship, skills-bridging, and workforce-readiness programs; coordinates community outreach; tracks program outcomes; evaluates partnership effectiveness; and assists with grant opportunities and program reporting. The role is on-site, full-time, and safety-sensitive, with work conducted in indoor and outdoor heavy-industrial environments. Standard workdays and hours vary according to department schedules.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Organizational Development, Education, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
At least 3 years of experience in workforce development, human resources, organizational development, talent management, educational partnerships, consulting, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, educational institutions, community organizations, or external business partners.
Experience supporting talent development, workforce initiatives, program implementation, or organizational improvement projects.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including evaluating program effectiveness, interpreting data, and developing actionable recommendations.
Excellent communication, presentation, project coordination, and relationship-management skills, including the ability to engage stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using data, reporting tools, or HR technology to support workforce initiatives.
Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to develop partnerships and translate ideas into actionable programs.
Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented approach to problem-solving.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.
Understanding of workforce development, career pathways, and skilled-trades training programs.
Ability to analyze program outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement.
Accountability, professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to teamwork.
Willingness and ability to work as a team member.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including general lifting, carrying, bending, stooping, climbing, working at heights, and extended walking or standing; reasonable accommodations may be made.
Ability to work in a heavy-industrial environment with potential exposure to noise, heat, cold, vibration, dust, fumes, smoke, and inclement weather.

Nice To Haves

Experience in workforce planning, competency modeling, talent assessment, employee development, or skills-based workforce initiatives.
Experience evaluating program effectiveness through performance metrics, workforce analytics, validation studies, or other measurable outcomes.
Experience consulting with business leaders, educational partners, or external organizations to identify workforce needs and implement talent-development solutions.
Familiarity with manufacturing, skilled trades, apprenticeship programs, career and technical education (CTE), or workforce development systems.
Experience with training-program alignment, assessment implementation, process improvement, or change-management initiatives.
Knowledge of workforce-development partnerships, grant-funded programs, or regional education and training resources.

Responsibilities

Follow all Hanwha Philly Shipyard safety procedures, rules, and regulations.
Develop and maintain partnerships with high schools, CTE programs, community colleges, trade schools, workforce development organizations, and nonprofit training providers.
Identify and establish partnerships that support current and future skilled-trades workforce requirements.
Serve as the primary contact for external workforce development partners, coordinating engagement, program activities, and candidate referrals.
Represent Hanwha Philly Shipyard on educational advisory boards, workforce development committees, and regional industry initiatives.
Develop and support workforce pathways connecting students, adult learners, career changers, and experienced workers with apprenticeship, training, and employment opportunities.
Collaborate with Training and Production teams and external partners to align educational programs and technical curricula with shipyard skill requirements.
Support the development and coordination of pre-apprenticeship, skills-bridging, and workforce-readiness programs.
Identify opportunities to expand workforce partnerships and talent pipelines in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
Coordinate participation in school visits, career exploration activities, workforce development events, and community outreach initiatives.
Promote awareness of shipbuilding careers, apprenticeship opportunities, and alternative pathways into skilled-trades employment.
Build relationships with regional workforce stakeholders to increase awareness of Hanwha Philly Shipyard as an employer and training partner.
Partner with Talent Acquisition, Training, Production, and Human Resources to align workforce initiatives with hiring forecasts and operational needs.
Track and report partnership and program outcomes, including participation, training completion, candidate referrals, and employment conversions.
Evaluate partnership effectiveness and recommend improvements to talent pipelines and workforce readiness.
Identify potential grants and external funding opportunities and assist with program proposals, implementation, and reporting requirements.
Ensure compliance with company policies, applicable regulations, and shipyard safety requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.