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Director Workforce Development Jobs in Detroit, MI

Career Center Director

Detroit, MI · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Workforce Development SUPERVISOR: Vice President, Workforce Development POSITIONS SUPERVISED ... The Director is responsible for service delivery, facility operations, staffing, and performance ...

Central Michigan District Health Department The Department Director position is a senior level ... workforce development plan. This leadership position requires the ability to work well under ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Workforce Development information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$15.8K

$84.4K

$128.2K

How much do director workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for director workforce development in Detroit, MI is $84,358.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $108,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of workforce development do?

A Director of Workforce Development leads efforts to design, implement, and oversee programs that enhance the skills and employability of a community's workforce. This role involves collaborating with businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to identify workforce needs and create training programs that fill skill gaps. Directors often manage teams, secure funding, and evaluate the effectiveness of workforce initiatives. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that workers are prepared for current and future job opportunities, supporting both individual career growth and broader economic development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of workforce development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Workforce Development, you need expertise in program management, workforce planning, and labor market analysis, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), data analytics tools, and workforce development certifications such as CWDP is typically required. Strategic thinking, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and excellent communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for developing effective workforce strategies, aligning talent initiatives with organizational goals, and fostering partnerships that drive organizational and community success.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of workforce development in aligning training programs with organizational goals?

A Director of Workforce Development often encounters the challenge of ensuring that training and development initiatives are closely aligned with both the immediate and long-term objectives of the organization. This requires staying updated on industry trends, regularly assessing workforce skill gaps, and collaborating with department leaders to anticipate future talent needs. Balancing budget constraints, rapidly changing technologies, and diverse learning preferences across the workforce can also present difficulties. Successful directors leverage data-driven strategies and maintain strong communication channels with stakeholders to overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Director Workforce Development vs Workforce Development Coordinator?

AspectDirector Workforce DevelopmentWorkforce Development Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor’s degree often required; advanced degrees preferred; experience in workforce programsAssociate or bachelor’s degree; relevant experience in workforce or community programs
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing teams and programs; strategic planningOperational role supporting program implementation; administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutionsCommunity organizations, government offices, training providers

The Director Workforce Development typically holds a higher-level leadership position, focusing on strategic planning and overseeing workforce programs. The Workforce Development Coordinator handles day-to-day program operations and supports implementation. Both roles are essential in workforce development initiatives but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Detroit, MI?

The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What job categories do people searching Director Workforce Development jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Workforce Development jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Director Workforce Development jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Director Workforce Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Workforce Development job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,358 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

CNC Workforce Development Specialist

Loc Performance Products, Inc.

Plymouth, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Loc Performance rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.
Job Summary:
The CNC Workforce Development Specialist will be conferring with management to gain knowledge of specific work situations requiring employees to better understand standard machining practices, American Rheinmetall procedures and machining techniques. This position will be responsible for training and evaluating entry level machinists as well as in charge of the selection, development of testing and evaluation procedures to be used at completion of training.
This position goes beyond training and is accountable for improving CNC Machinist performance, engagement, and retention. The role partners cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Human Resources to align training with operational needs and business objectives.
Essential Functions:
Leadership & Program Ownership
  • An extensive working knowledge of CNC mill and lathe machines,
  • Ability to operate and teach computer numerical control (CNC) mill and lathe machining centers to perform machine functions such as boring, facing, and threading parts of metallic work pieces such as castings, forgings and bar stock.
  • Reading and interpreting blueprints, planning sheets, sketches, layout, job order and related technical data for product specifications such as dimensions and tolerances, and tooling instructions such as feed rates, cutting speeds, depth of cut, and determines control settings, material requirements, machining methods and sequence of operations.
  • Selecting, positioning, and securing tool in tool holder (chuck, collet, or tool post).
  • Positioning and securing workpiece in holding device, machine table, chuck, centers, or fixtures.
  • Ability to move controls, to position tool and workpiece in relation to each other, and to set specified feeds, speeds, and depth of cut.
  • Turn valve handle to direct flow of coolant or cutting oil against tool and workpiece.
  • Start machine and monitor displays and machine operation to detect malfunctions.
  • Capable of inspecting first run piece and spot checks succeeding pieces for conformance to specifications (including documentation of results).
  • Enter commands or manually adjust machine controls to correct malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining.
  • Changing worn tools and cleaning machine, tooling, and parts.
  • Operating bench grinder to sharpen tools.
  • Performing light machine maintenance (check oil and coolant levels).

Performance Monitoring & Accountability
  • Track and report key program metrics, including:
    • CNC Machining progression
    • Time to competency
    • Retention rates
    • Training effectiveness and production readiness
  • Maintain accurate training and certification records in Plex and related systems
  • Provide monthly reporting and participate in bi-weekly training meetings
  • Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions

Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner with Production to ensure machinists are prepared for real-world job demands
  • Collaborate with Quality to align training with machining standards and defect reduction goals
  • Work with HR to support onboarding, development, and retention strategies
  • Support internal and external audits, including responding to customer training-related requirements
  • Assist supervisors, as needed, with certification processes such as overhead crane and forklift training

Operational Execution
  • Maintain training equipment, tools, and supply inventory, including ordering as required
  • Ensure training environments are clean, organized, and professional
  • Store training aids and materials in approved locations

Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure all training activities comply with company policies, procedures, and safety standards
  • Maintain required certifications and program compliance requirements
  • Promote and enforce safe work practices in both classroom and shop environments
  • Ensure all trainees follow established policies, procedures, and safety expectations
  • Conduct required evaluations

Education & Experience:
  • High school diploma or G.E.D. required
  • Minimum of 10 years of machining experience in a production and/or training environment
  • Experience in training, coaching, or developing employees preferred

Background Prerequisites:
Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experience developing structured training programs
  • Experience building, improving, or scaling a workforce development or training program in a manufacturing environment
  • Strong understanding of production welding challenges, including variability, throughput, and real-world application of weld standards
  • Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees across varying skill levels, including entry-level and experienced welders
  • Experience identifying performance gaps and implementing targeted development plans to improve skill and retention
  • Experience improving employee retention or training effectiveness metrics within a manufacturing environment
  • Familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments (AS9100, ISO14001, or similar)
  • Experience using ERP or training tracking systems (Plex, Socrative, or similar) to manage workforce development and certification tracking
  • Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and HR to drive alignment and results
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both shop floor employees and leadership
  • Experience supporting customer or third-party audits related to welding or training programs

Performance Expectations:
Success in this role will be demonstrated through:
  • Improved welder retention and engagement across all locations
  • Reduced time to competency and increased effectiveness of the CNC Machining Program
  • Consistent training standards and delivery across all facilities
  • Improved machining quality and reduction in training-related defects
  • Strong alignment between training outcomes and production needs
  • Positive feedback from machinists, supervisors, and cross-functional partners

Working Conditions and Physical Demands
With or without reasonable accommodation, the employee must be able to perform all essential job functions.
Work Environment
  • Combination of classroom, office, and manufacturing/shop floor environments
  • Exposure to shop conditions including noise, heat, fumes, and welding operations
  • Close proximity to moving equipment and other personnel
  • Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas

Travel & Schedule Requirements
  • Occasional travel to other American Rheinmetall facilities
  • Ability to work across multiple shifts (days and nights) to support training and evaluation needs as needed.

Physical Requirements
  • Frequent standing and walking
  • Occasional Sitting
  • Occasional bending, stooping, and reaching
  • Occasional repetitive motion
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds

Additional Physical Considerations
  • Ability to demonstrate welding techniques and operate related equipment
  • Ability to move between classroom and shop environments throughout the workday
  • Ability to maintain focus and awareness in a dynamic manufacturing environment

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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