Workforce Development Manager
About the role
The Regional Workforce Development Manager plays a pivotal role in Loenbro's mission to develop and support a skilled workforce across the Midwest Region. Reporting to the Director of Workforce Development, this position oversees all aspects of workforce development and training operations, ensuring that the right people are assessed, credentialed, and developed to perform at the highest levels on Loenbro job sites.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- Manage a team of Assessors responsible for evaluating all incoming craft talent to accurately identify skill level and trade classification.
- Collaborate with Recruiting and Operations to integrate assessment results into onboarding, placement, and mobilization decisions.
- 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.
- Represent workforce development interests in regional planning meetings and ensure training timelines support project mobilization schedules.
- 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.
- Identify and escalate systemic workforce or training challenges to the Director of Workforce Development with recommended solutions.
Qualifications
- 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.
- Valid driver’s license required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with LMS or HRIS platforms a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
Benefits
- 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)
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
Equal Opportunity Employer
Loenbro is an Equal Opportunity Employer.