Construction Training & Workforce Development Manager

Rice Companies; Sauk Rapids (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Rice Companies in Minnesota seeks a Construction Training & Development Manager who can lead field-based training programs and develop a structured onboarding path for new hires. You will travel to sites, coach crews, and build practical learning materials that improve safety, skills, and productivity.

You will also establish partnerships with local high schools and technical schools to create pathways into construction careers, ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline for the company.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in construction with field experience.
• Experience training, coaching, mentoring, or developing team members.
• Strong presentation and public-speaking skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly to company locations and spend time in the field.
• Ability to translate construction knowledge into simple, practical instruction.
• Strong safety knowledge and commitment to field safety.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement construction training programs for field teams.
• Travel to company locations to provide hands-on training, coaching, and development.
• Create onboarding and skills-development programs for field members and new hires.
• Identify skill gaps and develop individual training plans; measure training effectiveness.
• Develop training materials, presentations, job aids, videos, and checklists for practical learning.
• Build relationships with schools and community organizations to support workforce development.

Skills

Hands-on construction knowledge

Public speaking

Communication & interpersonal skills

Travel willingness

Training / mentoring experience

Training material development

Job description

Build People. Build Skills. Build the Future of Construction. We are looking for a Construction Training & Development Manager who understands that the best training doesn't just happen in a classroom--it happens in the field. This role is ideal for an experienced construction professional who has the hands-on knowledge and credibility to connect with field team members, combined with the communication and presentation skills to develop and deliver effective training programs. You will be responsible for building and leading training programs that help our team members become safer, more skilled, more productive, and more successful in their careers. You will work directly with team members and leaders across our locations, spending significant time in the field observing, coaching, demonstrating, and developing people. You will also play an important role in building the next generation of construction talent by developing relationships with high schools, technical colleges, trade schools, and other community organizations to introduce students to careers in construction. If you enjoy teaching others, have a passion for construction, and want to make a measurable impact on people's careers, this could be the opportunity for you.

What You’ll Do

Field Training & Development

Develop and implement construction training programs based on business needs, team member skill levels, and industry best practices. Travel to company locations to provide hands‑on training, coaching, and development for new and existing team members. Create structured onboarding and skills‑development programs for field team members and new hires. Work one‑on‑one with team members to identify skill gaps and develop individual training plans. Deliver training in a variety of formats, including classroom instruction, large‑group presentations, small‑group sessions, one‑on‑one coaching, and hands‑on field demonstrations. Partner with field leaders and managers to identify training needs and measure the effectiveness of training programs. Develop training materials, presentations, job aids, videos, checklists, and other resources that make learning practical and easy to apply in the field. Help team members understand not just how to perform a task, but why it matters to safety, quality, productivity, customer service, and profitability.

Construction Skills & Productivity

• Construction fundamentals and best practices
• Jobsite safety
• Tools and equipment
• Quality standards
• Project planning and organization
• Time management and productivity
• Reading plans and specifications
• Jobsite communication
• Material handling and preparation
• Construction processes and sequencing
• Problem solving in the field

Work with Project Managers, Superintendents, Foremen, and other field leaders to reinforce training on actual projects. Identify opportunities to improve field productivity, consistency, quality, and execution. Help establish consistent construction practices across multiple company locations.

New Hire Development

Build and continuously improve a structured training and onboarding experience for team members. Spend time with new hires in the field to ensure they understand expectations and have the skills necessary to be successful. Create clear skill progression and development pathways for team members as they advance in their careers. Partner with managers to identify high‑potential team members and opportunities for advancement.

Workforce Development & Schools

Build relationships with local high schools, technical colleges, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development organizations. Develop programs that introduce students to careers in construction and demonstrate the opportunities available within the industry. Coordinate job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, career days, construction demonstrations, and other workforce‑development activities. Assist in representing Rice Companies at career fairs, school events, industry events, and community activities. Help create a sustainable pipeline of future construction team members. Develop creative ways to show students that construction offers meaningful careers, competitive compensation, advancement opportunities, and the opportunity to build something they can be proud of.

The ideal candidate will have:

• 5+ years of experience working in the construction industry.
• Strong hands‑on construction knowledge and field experience.
• Experience training, coaching, mentoring, or developing team members.
• The ability to translate construction knowledge into simple, practical instruction.
• Strong presentation and public‑speaking skills.
• Comfort presenting to large groups as well as coaching individuals one‑on‑one.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A strong understanding of construction safety and safe work practices.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• The ability to manage multiple training initiatives and projects simultaneously.
• The ability to build relationships with team members at all levels of an organization.
• A willingness and ability to travel regularly to company locations and spend time in the field.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to develop professional training presentations and materials.
• A passion for helping people learn, grow, and succeed.

You Will Stand Out If You Have:

• Experience as a Foreman, Superintendent, Project Manager, Field Trainer, Safety Professional, or other construction leadership role.
• Experience developing construction training programs.
• Experience working with high schools, technical colleges, trade schools, or apprenticeship programs.
• Experience developing career paths or skills progression programs.
• Experience delivering hands‑on construction demonstrations.
• A background in commercial construction.
• Experience working across multiple locations or markets.

Why This Role Matters To Us

Construction is a people business. The equipment, technology, systems, and processes matter--but having skilled people who know how to do the job safely, efficiently, and correctly is what ultimately separates great construction companies from the rest. This position will have the opportunity to directly impact the skills, careers, and future of our workforce. If you are a construction professional who enjoys teaching others, believes in developing people, and wants to help build the future of the construction industry, we’d like to talk with you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rice Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.