Director Of Workforce Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Founded in 1956, the Jacuzzi Brand has grown to become the modern-day Jacuzzi Group, the premier manufacturer of functional products for the home and outdoor space found in more than 60 countries. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel (JBRx) is the fastest growing business unit of Jacuzzi Group with 13 successful locations launched nationwide in under 5-years. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel combines our premium materials, knowledgeable sales team, experienced in-house certified installers and over 70 years of proven excellence to deliver the highest standard of customer satisfaction.

This position will lead enterprise-wide training strategy, workforce development, curriculum design, and operational capability building across Jacuzzi Bath Remodel manufacturing, installation, distribution, service, and field operations. This role is responsible for driving safety, quality, productivity, leadership development, and standardization while building scalable training systems that support operational growth, workforce readiness, and continuous improvement across the business.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive operations training and workforce development strategy aligned with business objectives, growth plans, safety standards, quality expectations, and customer experience goals
• Design and implement structured career progression programs including:
• Apprentice to Lead Installer
• Certified Installer programs
• Master Installer certification pathways
• Build and standardize training curriculum, playbooks, SOPs, work instructions, certification standards, and skills matrices across manufacturing, installation, distribution, service, and field operations teams
• Lead the development of hands-on technical and operational training programs including classroom, production floor, field-based, virtual, and leadership development learning environments
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Safety, HR, and Continuous Improvement teams to ensure training systems align with operational standards, process changes, and product evolution
• Develop workforce readiness strategies to support new product launches, market expansions, operational scaling, succession planning, and frontline leadership development
• Establish enterprise operational certification and recertification standards for manufacturing, installation, quality, safety, and field operations personnel
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Installation Trainers to ensure consistent delivery of training programs
• Conduct field audits and ride-alongs to assess skill levels, reinforce standards, and identify training gaps
• Develop and implement certification standards and evaluation processes to ensure installer readiness and ongoing skill advancement
• Drive a culture of safety, quality, and craftsmanship excellence across all installation teams
• Support new market launches and expansion by ensuring training readiness and workforce capability
• Manage training budgets, resources, and tools to support scalable program delivery
• Other duties as assigned

Compensation is based on experience; $140K+ and bonus potential

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Education, Construction Management, or related field preferred
• 10+ years of experience in operations training, manufacturing, installation, workforce development, operational leadership, or technical training environments
• Proven experience building and implementing training programs from the ground up (required)
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and the Laws of Learning, with demonstrated ability to apply reinforcement, repetition, readiness, and performance-based coaching methodologies to improve workforce capability, safety, quality, and SOP adoption
• Deep understanding of manufacturing, installation, construction, service, distribution, or skilled trades operational environments
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to develop, coach, and scale high-performing teams
• Demonstrated ability to create structured career path and certification programs
• Experience establishing training metrics, KPIs, and performance tracking systems
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to train and influence at all levels
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across operations, quality, and field teams
• Experience with ERP, LMS (Learning Management Systems), or training platforms is a plus
• Ability to travel as needed to support field teams and training initiatives to JBR language and internal structure (JBRx, production org, etc.)
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) is a plus

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k) with matching program
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance