Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Akron, OH (NOW HIRING)

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Founded in 1953 Avtron has a long history of manufacturing market leading power test solutions. Now with a global footprint and sales into some of the largest industrial projects, Avtron will continue to push the envelope of what’s possible in the electrical test environment. Avtron Power Solutions manufacture and distribute market leading load bank solutions for mission critical applications. We have the largest portfolio in the industry and can meet the highest load testing standards with our intelligent SIGMA load bank control system.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Operations Training plays a critical role in driving employee development, workforce readiness, and continuous improvement across production operations. This role is embedded within the Operations team and works closely with the Training & Development function, Production leadership, and site training peers to deliver consistent, impactful training for new hires and current employees involved in load bank assembly and production processes.

This role is responsible for developing, facilitating, and maintaining structured training programs, including On-the-Job Training (OJT), new-hire onboarding, process training, and ongoing skill matrix development initiatives. This role also plays a key role in managing and maintaining the production skills matrix, ensuring employee skill progression, training compliance, and visibility into workforce capabilities across operations.

The ideal candidate is passionate about employee development, manufacturing excellence, and continuous improvement, with strong attention to detail and the ability to translate operational needs into effective learning solutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Essential Functions:

Training Program Management

• Develop, implement, and manage structured On-the-Job Training (OJT) plans aligned to production roles, responsibilities, and operational standards.
• Coordinate andfacilitatenew hire onboarding and production training to ensure a consistent and effective onboarding experience.

• Maintain and track employee training progress, ensuring training plansremaincurrent and aligned with both individual development needs and organizational goals.
• Manage andmaintainthe production skills matrix, including tracking employee skill progression,identifyingqualification gaps, supporting cross-training initiatives, and partnering with leadership to ensure workforce readiness and development planning.
• Collaborate with Production leadership toidentifytraining priorities based on operational performance, staffing needs, and businessobjectives.

Content Development and Maintenance

• Design, update, and improve training materials and job aids based on: 

• Safety &Quality data and performance trends 
• Skills matrix analysis andidentifiedcapability gaps 
• Production observations and process audits 
• New or updated products, equipment, systems, or production processes 

• Ensure training content isaccurate, standardized, accessible, and aligned with current quality, safety, and production standards. 
• Support the development of standardized work instructions and training documentation to drive consistency across operations.
• Design, build, and manage dedicated training “Dojo” rooms and hands-on learning environments that support technical skill development, cross-training, testing, and recertification activities. 
• Establish and administer a formal internal certification and recertification process tovalidateskill attainment,maintainoperational standards, and support workforce development. 

Instructional Delivery

• Deliver engaging instructor-led, hands-on, and on-the-floor training in both classroom and production environments.
• Facilitate refresher training, continuing education, and skills development sessions for existing employees based on operational needs and workforce capability analysis.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through observation, feedback, and performance outcomes, adjusting instructional methods as needed to improve learning retention and application.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partnercloselywith Quality Engineers, Production Supervisors, Operations Leadership, and thePeople & Culturetoidentifytraining needs and align learning initiatives with businessobjectives, operational priorities, and workforce development goals.
• Partner closely with People & Culture, Operations, Production Leadership, and Subject Matter Experts to design and implement scalable training programs, standardized work instructions, qualification pathways, and learning materials that support operational excellence and future business growth.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to remain informed of product, process, and procedural changesimpactingtraining requirements.
• Act as a liaison betweenSafety,Quality,and Production to proactivelyidentifyand address performance gaps through targeted learning and development solutions.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintainaccuratetraining recordsin accordance withinternal policies and external compliance standards.
• Ensure training meets regulatory and safety requirements where applicable.
• Assistin preparing training documentation and records for audits, certifications, and compliance reviews as needed. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GEDrequired.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, quality, or technical training environment.
• Experiencefacilitatinghands-on training and/or On-the-Job Training (OJT) within a production or manufacturing setting.
• Experience working with skills matrices, training tracking systems, or workforce qualification programs.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality standards, and production operations.

• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, procedures, technical documents, and production-related materials.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to train and coach employees at varying skill levels.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experiencemaintainingtraining documentation and records.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Quality, Production, Operations, and Training teams.
• Comfortable facilitating training in both classroom and production floor environments.
• Ability to stand,walkproduction areas, and occasionally lift training materials or equipment as needed. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Associate’s degree in Manufacturing, Quality, Education, Training & Development, ora relatedfield.
• Experience developing training materials, work instructions, or standardized operational documentation. 
• Experience with load bank assembly or similar electrical/mechanical production environments.
• Background in quality systems, data analysis, Lean Manufacturing, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with instructional design principles and adult learning theory.
• Experience developing training materials, work instructions, or standardized operational documentation.
• Experience using Learning Management Systems (LMS) or digital training platforms.
• Train-the-Trainer certification or other instructional/training certifications.