Training & Development Manager Location:

Waterloo, Iowa Salary:

$80,000-$100,000 plus bonus Position Overview An established manufacturing company is in search of a Training & Development Manager to spearhead organization-wide employee training, technical skills enhancement, and compliance education. This role entails collaborating with leaders from various departments to devise efficient training programs that enhance employee capabilities, foster workplace safety, elevate product quality, and bolster operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of robust training and program development expertise, coupled with a practical approach to employee learning. This individual will be responsible for overseeing training initiatives ranging from new employee orientation and job-specific skills development to regulatory compliance training, equipment operation education, and continuous employee growth. Key Responsibilities Employee Onboarding & Skills Development Create and coordinate structured onboarding programs, training schedules, and position-specific checklists in collaboration with department heads. Execute and supervise new hire training across various departments, ensuring comprehensive understanding of job roles, company procedures, quality expectations, and safety regulations. Conduct hands-on skills assessments and evaluate employee preparedness prior to granting independent job performance authorization. Develop ongoing training programs to enhance technical prowess, workmanship, problem-solving abilities, and overall employee performance. Support production training in areas such as blueprint reading, shop math, MIG welding, assembly procedures, and safe equipment handling. Technical Training & Process Improvement Coordinate training for new equipment, tools, manufacturing processes, systems, and procedural changes. Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and other functional heads to identify skill gaps and set training priorities. Develop and update training materials, work instructions, standard operating procedures, job aids, and other learning resources. Assess training effectiveness through skills evaluations, employee observations, performance metrics, and feedback; implement enhancements as needed. Safety & Regulatory Compliance Design, coordinate, and uphold company-wide safety and compliance training programs in alignment with applicable OSHA standards and company policies. Supervise training related to personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard identification, overhead crane operation, and other relevant workplace safety protocols. Maintain precise training records, certifications, and renewal schedules to ensure regulatory compliance and audit preparedness. Recognize potential workplace hazards and collaborate with appropriate leaders to reinforce safe work practices and address training requirements. Training Administration & Collaboration Organize training documentation, attendance records, assessment outcomes, certifications, and compliance forms. Monitor employee training completions and communicate outstanding requisites to departmental leadership. Establish uniform training standards across departments while adapting programs to individual job specifications and employee experience levels. Collaborate with leadership to pinpoint development opportunities and cultivate a culture of perpetual learning, safety, and quality. Education & Experience Requirements Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field is mandatory. 3-5 years of experience in employee training, learning and development, technical training, or a related field is required. Experience in designing and executing training programs across diverse departments or job functions is necessary. Proven ability to deliver hands-on technical training and assess employee competencies. Familiarity with OSHA regulations and workplace safety training requisites is essential. Proficiency in reading blueprints and technical specifications, understanding basic shop math, and following manufacturing procedures is crucial. Manufacturing experience, particularly in welding, metal fabrication, assembly, or industrial operations, is highly valued. Strong organizational and project management skills, including the adeptness at handling training records, certifications, and deadlines. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage employees of varying experience levels and across multiple shifts. Sound analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capability to identify training gaps and implement effective solutions. Dedication to workplace safety, product quality, continuous improvement, and employee development must be demonstrated.