Training & Development Manager

Location: Waterloo, Iowa

Salary: $80,000–$100,000 plus bonus

Position Overview

A leading manufacturing organization is in search of a Training & Development Manager to take charge of company-wide employee onboarding, technical skills development, and compliance training. This role involves collaborating with leaders from various departments to create effective training programs that enhance employee capabilities, foster workplace safety, elevate product quality, and support operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strong training and program development skills along with a hands-on approach to employee learning. Responsibilities include overseeing training initiatives from new employee orientation and job-specific skills enhancement to regulatory compliance, equipment training, and continuous employee development.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Onboarding & Skills Development

• Develop and coordinate structured onboarding programs, training schedules, and role-specific checklists with department leaders.
• Conduct comprehensive new hire training across multiple departments to ensure understanding of job responsibilities, company procedures, quality expectations, and safety regulations.
• Assess employee skills hands-on and determine readiness for independent job performance.
• Create ongoing training programs to improve technical proficiency, workmanship, problem-solving, and overall employee performance.

Technical Training & Process Improvement

• Organize training for new equipment, tooling, manufacturing processes, systems, and procedure updates.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and other leaders to identify skill gaps and prioritize training needs.
• Develop and maintain training materials, work instructions, standard operating procedures, and job aids.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, observations, performance data, and feedback.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Create and maintain safety and compliance training programs in alignment with OSHA requirements and company policies.
• Administer training on personal protective equipment, hazard recognition, crane operation, and other safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate training records, certifications, and renewal schedules for compliance and audits.
• Identify potential workplace hazards and work with leaders to reinforce safe practices.

Training Administration & Collaboration

• Organize training documentation, attendance records, assessment results, certifications, and compliance forms.
• Monitor employee training completion and communicate requirements to department leaders.
• Establish consistent training standards while adapting programs to individual job needs.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify development opportunities and promote a culture of learning, safety, and quality.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in employee training, learning & development, technical training, or related field.
• Experience developing and delivering training programs across departments.
• Demonstrated ability to provide hands-on technical training and assess employee competency.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and workplace safety training.
• Manufacturing experience, especially in welding, fabrication, assembly, or industrial operations, is preferred.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to workplace safety, quality, continuous improvement, and employee development.