Learning & Development Specialist

Virginia Economic Development Partnership; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Economic Development Partnership seeks a Learning & Development Specialist for our new U.S. manufacturing facility in Virginia.

You will architect workforce development strategies, design training programs, lead onboarding, and collaborate with corporate HQ and external partners to build a skilled workforce. The role requires 10+ years in L&D, strong instructional design skills, LMS expertise, and the ability to work across cultures, including Korea partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Education, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Certifications CPTD/SHRM-SCP/PHR/SPHR; Lean/Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive L&D experience in manufacturing or technical environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop workforce development strategies aligned with business goals and milestones.
• Serve as liaison between corporate HQ and local plant operations.
• Design and deliver engaging training programs, modules, and job aids.
• Lead onboarding programs for new employees and executives.
• Partner with Engineering, EHS, Quality, and Production to convert procedures into training materials.
• Build leadership development programs for frontline supervisors.
• Oversee LMS administration and day-to-day training operations.
• Coordinate hands-on training, including Korea-related partnerships.

Skills

Instructional design

Facilitation

LMS administration

Project management

Cross-cultural collaboration

Onboarding program design

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Education, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Certifications: CPTD/SHRM-SCP/PHR/SPHR; Lean/Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)

Tools

Articulate Storyline

Adobe Captivate

Canva

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

We are currently seeking a Learning & Development (L&D) Specialist, who will serve as the strategic architect and operational driver for talent development at our new U.S. manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for developing workforce training strategies, designing instructional programs, leading onboarding initiatives, and collaborating with corporate headquarters and external partners to build a highly skilled workforce and support successful plant operations. Salary $90,000 - $110,000/year

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute workforce development strategies aligned with business goals, production milestones, and corporate initiatives.
• Serve as the primary learning and development liaison between corporate headquarters and local plant operations.
• Design and develop engaging training programs, learning modules, job aids, and visual work instructions using proven instructional design methodologies.
• Partner with Engineering, EHS, Quality, and Production teams to transform manufacturing procedures into structured training programs and on-the-job training materials.
• Build leadership development programs for frontline supervisors and team leaders.
• Design and facilitate comprehensive onboarding programs for new employees.
• Coordinate and manage hands-on training opportunities, including partnerships with the company's manufacturing operations in Korea.
• Develop team-building and cross-cultural integration programs to support collaboration between U.S. employees and Korean expatriates.
• Facilitate employee orientations, leadership workshops, compliance training, safety refreshers, and professional development programs.
• Manage the company Learning Management System (LMS) and oversee day-to-day training operations.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, Instructional Design, Human Resource Development, or related areas.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, industrial, or technical operations environments.
• Proven experience developing onboarding frameworks, training systems, and structured on-the-job training programs.
• Experience administering Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Strong knowledge of adult learning principles, manufacturing safety and compliance requirements, workforce development strategies, and training operations.
• Experience supporting greenfield manufacturing projects preferred.
• Experience collaborating with workforce development organizations, educational institutions, or economic development partners preferred.
• Bilingual English and Korean language skills preferred.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development) SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP PHR or SPHR Certified Facilitator Lean or Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt certifications

Skills and Abilities Required:

• Exceptional facilitation, presentation, and classroom management skills.
• Expertise in instructional design, learning program development, and training content creation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and organizational levels.
• Hands-on, field-oriented approach with a willingness to spend time on the manufacturing floor supporting workforce development initiatives.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and protecting employee information.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience administering Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Experience with instructional design and e-learning development tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or Canva preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to facilitate training sessions and engage with employees across the organization.
• Ability to travel up to 10%, primarily within North Carolina and surrounding areas, as business needs require.