Operations Learning and Development Manager

Stepan Oilfield Solutions; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Stepan Company is seeking an Operations Learning and Development Manager to lead the global operations training strategy from Northbrook, IL. This role partners with Global, Functional, and Site leaders to ensure programs meet safety, efficiency, and business goals.

The position requires 7–10 years in Education/LD, a manufacturing background, and experience building complex L&D programs. The role emphasizes KPI tracking, ROI, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years’ relevant experience in Education, Learning & Development, Corporate Training, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Experience working at or in support of a manufacturing or processing facility.
• Experience with building operational learning and development programs that support safe working practices, skill building, and operational efficiency.
• Strong background in the development of complex learning and development programs.
• Experience with annualized curriculum development and training matrices.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with Global, Functional, and Site Leadership to align Operations Training programs with business needs.
• Applies cohesive policies and guidelines for Operations Training across the enterprise.
• Advises on knowledge management and designs knowledge capture strategies.
• Leads, implements, and maintains a multi-year Operations Training roadmap.

Skills

Education & L&D experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

LMS (SAP SuccessFactors)

Job description

Operations Learning and Development Manager

Location: Northbrook, IL, US, 60062

Job Description

The Global Manager of Operations Training is responsible for building and advancing Stepan’s global operations learning strategy, ensuring employees have the skills, knowledge, and training needed to support safe and efficient operations. This role partners across the organization to develop learning programs, oversee key training initiatives, and establish metrics and processes that support continuous learning and business performance.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with Global, Functional, and Site Leadership to ensure that Operations Training programs are aligned with business needs and priorities
• Collaborates with Global, Functional, and Site Leadership to ensure application of cohesive policies and guidelines for Operations Training & practices enterprise-wide
• Consults with Global, Functional, and Site Leaders on knowledge management and knowledge capture strategies and designs plans to execute said strategies
• Serves as a training Subject Matter Expert, including proposing short- and long-term strategies for the Operations Training at Stepan. Plans, develops, leads, implements, and maintains a multi-year Operations Training roadmap
• Employs knowledge of effective training methods to lead the Operations T&D Team in delivering accurate, high-quality training
• Coordinates and facilitates solutions for the Operations T&D Team and lines up resources and logistics to keep projects and programs on track
• Remains aware of & evaluates current products and trends in T&D industry and makes recommendations accordingly
• Recommends and oversees third-party vendors to ensure vendor performance and deliverables are appropriate, effective, on time, and on budget
• Designs, develops, and executes a Stepan Train-the-Trainer Qualification program
• Designs, develops, and leads the Stepan Co-Op/Intern and Early Career Engineering Program
• Modernizes Stepan’s Operations Training and introduces efficiencies by leveraging existing and emerging technologies
• Analyzes learning success; establishes standards for tracking, reporting, and improving training
• Establishes key Operations Training success metrics and tracks and reports on KPIs, including Training ROI.
• Works cross-functionally and engages with Global, Functional, and Site Leadership to design enterprise-wide programs that position Stepan’s workforce with the skills needed for the future

Qualifications

• 7-10 years’ relevant experience in Education, Learning & Development, Corporate Training, Organizational Development, or related field required
• Experience working at or in support of a manufacturing or processing facility required
• Experience with building operational learning and development programs that support safe working practices, skill building, and operational efficiency required
• Strong background in the development of complex learning and development programs required
• Experience in developing annualized curriculum as well as tasks to training matrices preferred
• Experience with change management/transformation initiatives preferred
• Experience with administering or managing a Learning Management System (LMS) such as SAP SuccessFactors preferred

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Organizational Development, Training Development, Human Resources, or related field required
• Master’s Degree in Education, Training, Organizational Development, Human Resources, Business Management, or related field preferred

Pay Range

The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.

Benefits

• Discretionary Bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K with Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Reactions – Recognition Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Compliance and Eligibility

Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

About Us

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Stepan is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer that has been serving a broad range of industries for over 90 years. Today, Stepan is a $2.7 billion revenue company. Our continued success is driven by the passion and commitment of our 2,500+ employees around the world.

Why Work At Stepan?

• Stable & Growing
• Collaborative Environment
• Make a Difference & Be Recognized
• Committed to Safety & Sustainability
• Value Driven Culture