Leadership Development Associate Jobs in Springfield, OH

Job Summary

The Learning & Development Specialist II is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving learning and development programs at a single-site manufacturing facility operating within a fast-paced start-up environment. This role serves as a key partner in developing the company's  Learning & Development strategy, ensuring training initiatives support workforce readiness, operational excellence, safety, quality, leadership development, and long-term organizational growth.
Working closely with the Talent Management Lead, department leadership, and subject matter experts, the Specialist II establishes foundational learning systems, training frameworks, and competency-based development programs that support rapid growth, scalability, associate engagement, and business objectives. This role helps create a culture of continuous learning while building sustainable processes that enable the organization to develop talent internally and meet evolving operational demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Talent Management Lead and department leadership to develop and execute a comprehensive Learning & Development strategy aligned with business goals, workforce plans, and operational requirements.
• Establish a long-term learning roadmap that supports start-up growth, workforce capability development, succession planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness.
• Design and implement training frameworks, learning pathways, and skills development programs that support associate progression and operational needs.
• Develop standardized training processes, governance, metrics, and tools to ensure consistency and sustainability as the organization expands.
• Identify current and future workforce skill requirements and recommend development solutions to address capability gaps.
• Create strategies to promote a culture of continuous learning, knowledge transfer, cross-training, and career development.
• Measure and report on learning effectiveness, training ROI, workforce readiness, and development outcomes to support data-driven decision making.
• Benchmark industry best practices and recommend innovative learning solutions that improve associate performance and organizational capability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Learning & Development, Education, Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in training or learning and development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept to implementation.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, industrial, or operations-focused teams.
• Comfort working in a startup or fast-changing environment.
• Working knowledge of adult learning principles in advanced manufacturing and frontline leadership.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting a medium-sized manufacturing operation.
• Familiarity with safety, quality, or technical skills training.
• Experience creating job aids or simple e-learning materials.
• Experience using a Learning Management System (LMS) or training-tracking tools.

Key Competencies

• Learning Strategy & Workforce Development - Develops learning initiatives that support business goals and workforce capability.
• Training Design & Facilitation - Creates and delivers effective training programs using adult learning principles.
• Manufacturing & Operational Awareness - Understands manufacturing processes, safety requirements, and operational priorities.
• Associate Development & Engagement - Promotes associate growth, learning, and career development.
• Collaboration & Influence - Works effectively across departments and cultures to build partnerships, obtain buy-in, and achieve shared business objectives.
• Change Management & Adaptability - Supports organizational change and adjusts effectively to evolving business needs.
• Continuous Improvement - Uses feedback and data to improve learning programs and processes.
• Project Management & Execution - Organizes and manages multiple initiatives while meeting deadlines and business objectives.