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Workforce Development Program Manager Jobs in Iowa

Loenbro

Workforce Development Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Program Administration & Reporting * Track and report on key workforce development metrics ... Manage the regional training budget responsibly, including trainer deployment logistics, materials ...

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Workforce Development Program Manager information

What are some typical challenges a Workforce Development Program Manager faces when aligning program goals with employer needs?

A key challenge for Workforce Development Program Managers is ensuring that training programs stay relevant to changing employer demands. This often requires ongoing communication with local businesses and industry partners to anticipate skill gaps and adapt curricula accordingly. Additionally, balancing the needs of diverse participant populations with employer expectations can be complex, requiring creative problem-solving and strong stakeholder management. Successful managers regularly analyze labor market data and foster strong partnerships to navigate these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Workforce Development Program Manager vs Workforce Development Coordinator?

AspectWorkforce Development Program ManagerWorkforce Development Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees program planning, strategy, and implementation; manages teams and budgetsAssists with program activities, coordinates events, and supports daily operations
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; experience in workforce programs; project management skillsBachelor's degree or relevant experience; strong organizational skills
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often in government or nonprofit sectorsOffice-based, supporting program delivery and community outreach
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in government agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutionsOften found in similar settings, supporting program execution

The main difference is that Workforce Development Program Managers lead and strategize workforce initiatives, while Workforce Development Coordinators support and execute daily activities. Managers handle planning and oversight, whereas coordinators focus on operational tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Workforce Development Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Workforce Development Program Manager, you need expertise in program management, workforce training strategies, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in human resources, education, or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), data analytics tools, and certifications like the Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) are commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills help you build effective partnerships and motivate diverse teams. These skills ensure that workforce initiatives align with organizational goals, drive positive employment outcomes, and respond to evolving labor market needs.

What does a Workforce Development Program Manager do?

A Workforce Development Program Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing programs that help individuals gain the skills needed to secure employment and advance in their careers. They work with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations to identify workforce needs and create training and support initiatives. Their duties often include managing budgets, evaluating program effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements. Ultimately, they play a key role in connecting job seekers with employers and improving local or regional workforce outcomes.
What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development Program Manager jobs in Iowa? For Workforce Development Program Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Workforce Development Program Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Workforce Development Program Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Workforce Development Program Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Workforce Development Program Manager job openings:
Workforce Development Program Manager jobs near you

Workforce Development Manager

Loenbro

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Regional Workforce Development Manager
Company: Loenbro, LLC
Business Unit/Department: People Operations - Learning and Development
Location: Midwest Region (Cedar Rapids)
Reports to: Director of Workforce Development
Employment Type: Full Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Travel: 50%+ Regional Travel Required
Direct Reports: 6-15
About Loenbro
Loenbro is a trusted, long-term construction lifecycle partner to thousands of customers across the U.S. Our market spans all industries and our service offerings include Critical Electrical, Mechanical & Structural, Soft Crafts, Inspection, Underground Maintenance and Installation, and Fabrication. Our expertise lies in simplifying the complex and establishing long-standing relationships with our partners. We have a national presence but a local approach-every customer benefits from our capabilities and our care.
At Loenbro, we don't just offer jobs-we build careers grounded in integrity, teamwork, excellence, and purpose. Join a team where your expertise is valued, your growth is supported, and your work helps maintain and enhance the critical infrastructure that powers communities across the nation.
Job Summary
Loenbro is seeking an experienced and operationally minded Regional Workforce Development Manager to join our Learning & Development team within People Operations. This role sits at the heart of Loenbro's investment in its craft workforce, owning the full spectrum of workforce development and training operations across an assigned region. The Regional Workforce Development Manager is responsible for ensuring that the right people are assessed, credentialed, developed, and supported to perform at the highest level on Loenbro job sites.
Reporting to the Director of Workforce Development, this leader will manage a geographically distributed team of Craft Trainers and Assessors embedded across job sites, training facilities, and warehouse locations throughout their region. While Loenbro maintains centralized training standards and content through Loenbro University, this role is responsible for regional execution, oversight, and any region-specific training design required to meet local project and workforce needs. This is a high-travel, high-impact role for someone who is craft-minded, operationally grounded, and passionate about developing people.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Regional Training Operations & Oversight
  • Oversee the delivery and quality of all workforce development and training activities across the region, ensuring alignment with centralized Loenbro University standards and programs.
  • Execute regionally, adapting centrally developed training content and programs to fit the specific craft, site, and operational context of your region.
  • Design and develop region-specific training content where unique project types, craft mixes, or local workforce needs require it.
  • Ensure training is delivered consistently and effectively across all job sites, training centers, and warehouse facilities within the region.
  • Serve as the regional point of accountability for workforce readiness, training completion, and skill development outcomes.

Talent Assessment & Craft Credentialing
  • Manage a team of Assessors responsible for evaluating all incoming craft talent to accurately identify skill level and trade classification-including electrician apprentice tiers (A1-A4), Journeyman, and other multi-craft designations.
  • Ensure assessment processes are consistent, objective, and operationally relevant so that project teams receive properly placed, qualified craft workers from day one.
  • Collaborate with Recruiting and Operations to integrate assessment results into onboarding, placement, and mobilization decisions.
  • Maintain documentation and reporting on assessment outcomes, placement accuracy, and workforce skill profiles across the region.

Team Leadership & Development
  • Directly manage a regional team of 6-15 Craft Trainers and Assessors distributed across job sites and facilities throughout the region.
  • Recruit, onboard, develop, and retain high-performing training professionals who reflect Loenbro's values and commitment to craft excellence.
  • Provide ongoing coaching, clear direction, and structured performance feedback to a geographically dispersed team.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and genuine investment in the development of others.

Operational Partnership & Regional Alignment
  • Build and maintain strong, trusted working relationships with Regional Presidents, Regional Leadership, Project Managers, Superintendents, and Site Leaders to ensure training efforts align with project timelines and workforce demands.
  • Serve as the Learning & Development function's embedded partner within the region-bringing a people development lens to operational planning conversations.
  • Proactively identify regional training needs based on project pipeline, workforce composition, and direct feedback from field leadership.
  • Represent workforce development interests in regional planning meetings and ensure training timelines support project mobilization schedules.

Program Administration & Reporting
  • Track and report on key workforce development metrics including training completion rates, assessment outcomes, skill progression, trainer performance, and workforce readiness.
  • Manage the regional training budget responsibly, including trainer deployment logistics, materials, and site coordination.
  • Maintain accurate records of training activities, craft assessments, and workforce data in alignment with Loenbro's systems and standards.
  • Identify and escalate systemic workforce or training challenges to the Director of Workforce Development with recommended solutions.

Minimum Qualifications
Required:
  • 5+ years of experience in workforce development, training operations, or learning & development, with at least 2 years in a leadership or management capacity.
  • Demonstrated background in construction, industrial, or multi-craft environments-with a working knowledge of craft trades, field operations, and project-based work environments.
  • Proven experience facilitating training or managing training delivery for craft or technical audiences in hands-on, field-based settings.
  • Experience managing geographically distributed teams, with demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and hold remote team members accountable.
  • Strong relationship-building skills-able to earn the trust and respect of field leaders, craft workers, and corporate stakeholders.
  • Comfortable creating structure and operating effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments without depending on an established playbook.
  • Ability and willingness to travel 50%+ throughout the assigned region on an ongoing basis.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with LMS or HRIS platforms a plus.

Preferred:
  • Familiarity with electrical trade classifications, apprenticeship structures (IBEW, NECA, or open-shop), and journeyman-level trade knowledge.
  • Experience building or scaling workforce development programs in a growing, multi-site organization.
  • Background spanning multiple craft disciplines beyond electrical-mechanical, structural, piping, insulation, or similar industrial services.
  • Prior experience in a contractor, field services, or project-based environment where workforce readiness directly drives project outcomes.
  • Exposure to workforce assessment methodologies, skills-based hiring practices, or craft competency frameworks.
  • Advanced education with emphasis in workforce development, adult learning, instructional design, organizational development, or a related field.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment:
  • Frequent travel to active construction and industrial job sites, training facilities, and warehouse locations throughout the region.
  • Exposure to outdoor work environments including weather extremes, noise, dust, and other industrial site conditions.
  • Must be physically capable of navigating active work sites including extended walking, standing, and occasional climbing.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required on job sites and will be provided.
  • Travel requirement: 50%+ regional travel on an ongoing basis.

This role requires compliance with all applicable safety regulations, PPE requirements, and Loenbro's Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) policies.
Benefits
Loenbro offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and rewards to those who join our team:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)

Benefits eligibility may vary based on employment classification and hours worked.
Our Core Values
Guided by Core Values (LEAD), grounded in grit and a commitment to excellence, Loenbro betters our families, customers, and local communities. If you're ready to be part of a company that LEADS by:
  • L - Living with Integrity
  • E - Exceeding Expectations
  • A - Acting with Urgency
  • D - Delivering Excellence

...we want to hear from you.
Loenbro is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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