Workforce Development Program Manager Jobs in Suffolk, VA

ARMADA INC.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Training Program Manger

REPORTS TO: Director of Trades

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

PAY RANGE: $100,000.00-$110,000.00 Annually DOE

FT / PT STATUS: Full Time

LOCATION: Office, Shipyard(s), Customer Facilities

SUMMARY

The Training Manager designs, administers, and oversees workforce development programs for qualified skilled and semi-skilled members of our workforce performing naval ship repair operations. Responsible for creating technical training pipelines, using both internal and external candidate sourcing methods, to generate the growth of the workforce and to ensure the workforce is performing to and meeting standards of performance set through Navy, Shipyard, Contractual, or other sources. Will focus and independently manage the establishment, regulatory registrations, and administration a formal maritime apprenticeship program to cultivate a skilled talent pipeline. Responsible for developing a variety of training programs outside of the apprentice track. Directly oversee all technical certifications and qualifications for all trade employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

IMIA Workforce Trades Positions may include Coatings and Paint Sprayers and Painters, Abrasive or High-Pressure Blasters, Welders, Shipfitters, Electricians, Pipe Fitters and other trades commonly assigned to U.S. Navy Ship Repair projects.

• Compliance Management: Ensure all training aligns with NAVSEA, OSHA, and Department of Labor (DOL) requirements.
• Curriculum Design: Create technical training modules for shipboard trades such as welding, pipefitting, electrical, and rigging and other skilled/semi-skilled positions as required.
• Workforce Assessment: Identify skills gaps and create programs designed to reduce gaps in skills of members of the workforce. Conduct assessments of personnel with local supervisors to assess current skill, create path of learning to achieve future qualified skill sets for workforce of greater than 1000 employees.
• Partnership Owner: Partner with local community colleges, trade schools, and government agencies for funding and recruitment of skilled trades personnel. Attend off site events, establish solid bridges with external success partners and organizations.
• Tracking & Reporting: Maintain accurate training records, certification records, and apprentice progression logs.
• Safety Integration: Embed strict maritime safety protocols and quality assurance standards into all learning paths.

• Monitor: Monitor all programs in place for participation, data collection, employee skill assessments and evaluations, provide rating scales or metrics to measure learning outcomes, adapt as needed to ensure a qualified workforce is continuously improving.
• Budgeting: Provide input and resource needs to budget planning, execute to approved budgets, allocate resources as required to exceed expectations of program effectiveness.
• Master Scheduler: Provide master schedule of all training events, requirements of the events or programs, prioritizing workforce needs to meet project needs ahead of time.
• Internal Success Partner: Partner with internal stakeholders and contribute to programs of learning and certification in departments with specific programs of learning and certification in place in their respective departments.
• Best In Class: Create and contribute to new employee orientation being best in class and create pathway for new employees to see their future learning and set for all new employees their path of learning through on-the-job experience.
• Key Contributor: Directly contribute to strategic goals of the company’s workforce development including development of Superintendent, Foreman, Front Line Skilled and Semi-Skilled workers, and track key initiative metrics as set.
• Operations: Though comprehensive understanding of operations, provide clear recommendations for personnel to rise in their field to supervisory level roles and generate the next generation of operational leaders. Build the bench.
• Researcher: Research field operations of other industries where skilled personnel could find an entry point into our shipyard and maritime industry and take steps to bring talent into our organization from other industries.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Responsible for developing and overseeing training programs for various skilled trades across the company.
• Responsible for coordinating and scheduling training to align with staffing and production needs.
• May directly supervise other personnel in training settings, record keeping requirements, data entry personnel.
• May directly test, assess, and recommend trades personnel for advancement in their field based on learning achieved and demonstrated.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & ATTRIBUTES

• Proven experience in maritime trades training, apprenticeship programs, or workforce development.
• Knowledge of maritime regulations, safety standards, and industry-specific training governance.
• Working knowledge of apprenticeship program set ups.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with industry partners and educational providers.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organization skills with strong attention to detail.
• Experience with industry-recognized credentials and certifications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze program performance data and implement improvement strategies.
• Ability to solve operational challenges and adapt to changing industry demands.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Excellent time management skills with ability to manage multiple training schedules and deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing training needs.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Working knowledge of training methodologies and instructional design principles.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organizations LMS and talent management systems.
• Ability to communicate bilingually in English and Spanish preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of training management experience within the defense, aerospace, or heavy marine industry.
• Apprenticeship Expertise: Proven track record of establishing and registering apprentice programs with state or federal agencies (DOL/OA) preferred.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep familiarity with Navy ship repair frameworks, NAVSEA Standard Items, and Joint Fleet Maintenance Manual (JFMM) concepts.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, education, engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent maritime leadership experience) required.
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance and DBIDS shipyard access.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of instructional design for industrial environments and proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Maritime Experience: Prior experience working as a training coordinator, or trade instructor, within a private shipyard or commercial marine repair facility, or community college preferred.
• Professional Certification: Master Trainer Certification (MTC), Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), or formal project management credentials preferred.
• Funding Experience: Successful history of securing corporate workforce development grants, state-funded training subsidies, or local community investment is a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This role will perform work in an office, shop, and shipyard environment.
• US Citizenship required.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time during meetings, training sessions, site visits, and industry events.
• Travel locally and regionally to training facilities, educational institutions, employer sites, shipyards, and partner locations. This role will require occasional travel to other regions within the United States.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, including but not limited to hard hats, safety glasses, respirator, hearing protection, and steel-toed footwear, as required.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull up to 15lbs.
• Lifting includes from floor to waist, waist to shoulder, waist to overhead.
• May be required to climb stairs or ladders.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Computer, fax machine, cell phone, copy machine, adding machine, scanners, software programs, Microsoft office products.

*This is a general list and is not all inclusive

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

• Accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.