Learning & Development Leader

About the role

SkyWater Search Partners is partnering with a fantastic legacy manufacturing organization to hire a hands-on Learning & Development professional who will help strengthen workforce capabilities, employee development, and leadership readiness across its operations. Reporting to the Director of Learning & Development, this individual will serve as a facilitator, program leader, and trusted advisor to operational leadership. The role will manage learning initiatives from planning through evaluation, deliver engaging development experiences, and help create meaningful career pathways, particularly for frontline manufacturing employees. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced learning professional who enjoys being close to the business, building strong relationships with leaders and employees, and translating organizational needs into practical development solutions. The client is an established, growing metalworking organization providing custom manufacturing services to prominent brands across several industries, with more than 1,000 employees across multiple facilities, continuing to invest in its people, equipment, and operations to support growth and deliver exceptional value. The position is based in South Metro MN & Detroit Lakes, MN, requires up to 40% travel, and is an onsite role supporting multiple locations and shifts.

Responsibilities

• Learning Program Leadership
  • Manage learning and development programs from initial planning through implementation and evaluation.
  • Partner with leaders to identify skill, performance, and capability gaps and develop effective solutions.
  • Support onboarding, technical training, leadership development, career progression, succession planning, and broader workforce capability initiatives.
  • Monitor program outcomes and use data, feedback, and business results to drive continuous improvement.
  • Promote consistent learning standards and employee experiences across locations.
• Facilitation and Employee Development
  • Facilitate engaging learning experiences that support employee growth, leadership readiness, and career advancement.
  • Deliver instructor-led, virtual, and blended programs that encourage participation, knowledge retention, and practical application.
  • Adapt facilitation methods for diverse audiences, including frontline manufacturing employees, supervisors, and organizational leaders.
  • Coach individuals and teams to reinforce learning and improve performance.
  • Serve as a resource on adult learning principles and effective development practices.
• Program Coordination and Reporting
  • Maintain accurate training records, certifications, compliance documentation, learning rosters, and related reporting.
  • Coordinate program logistics, including scheduling, participant communication, materials, and learning resources.
  • Track required certifications and recertifications to ensure timely completion.
  • Generate and analyze learning metrics, dashboards, and reports that support business decisions and workforce planning.
  • Ensure learning content, documentation, and program materials remain current and accurate.
• Business Partnership
  • Collaborate with operations, safety, HR, quality, and site leadership to identify learning and workforce capability needs.
  • Build trusted relationships with leaders and align development programs with operational priorities.
  • Advise supervisors and managers on employee development, onboarding, skill progression, and career pathways.
  • Gather feedback from leaders and learners to continuously improve programs and services.
  • In