Training & Workforce Development Specialist (Escanaba, MI)

Billerud Finland Oy

Escanaba (MI)

On-site

USD 60,000 - 80,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Performance-based bonuses

Multiple medical plans

401(k) options

Company paid disability insurance

Job summary

A leading packaging company located in Escanaba, Michigan is looking for a Training & Workforce Development Specialist. This role is crucial in developing and overseeing training strategies, ensuring the integration of safety standards, and improving training systems in a unionized manufacturing environment. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's in a relevant field or equivalent experience, along with strong project management and organizational skills. Join the team to contribute to meaningful sustainability initiatives and support the workforce's growth.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Development, Human Resources, Business, Engineering or related field OR Associates Degree with a minimum of 7 years of experience in learning and development or training.

Responsibilities

Integrate safety standards into all training programs.
Lead mill training strategy and provide oversight to hourly trainers.
Improve hourly training systems and certification processes.
Develop salaried training programs including onboarding and mentorship.
Drive improvements to training processes and technology.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Development or related field

Job description

Purpose

Are you interested in being part of an innovative team that supports Billerud’s mission to lead the way when it comes to challenging conventional packaging and business? Our decisions are guided by the promise of creating a better tomorrow. Building a future where lighter, stronger, more durable and sustainable packaging is the natural choice not only requires experience and expertise, but also takes dedication, teamwork and perseverance. This is a journey that we are making together with our talented staff and our customers.

Summary Description

The Training & Workforce Development Specialist leads the strategy, design, execution, and continuous improvement of all training at the Escanaba Mill. The role supports both hourly and salaried training systems, aligns programs with corporate L&D, and meets the needs of a complex, unionized manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

Integrate safety standards into all training programs.
Lead mill training strategy and provide dotted‑line oversight to hourly trainers.
Improve hourly training systems, capability, consistency, and certification processes.
Develop salaried training programs including onboarding, leadership development, pathways, and mentorship.
Align training initiatives with corporate L&D frameworks and tools.
Drive improvements to training processes, systems, and technology to boost performance and efficiency.
Support cost reduction through improved training effectiveness.
Work effectively within a unionized environment to ensure consistent, compliant training solutions.
Lead improvements to DMS workflows, OJT programs, and knowledge courses.
Conduct skills assessments, training needs analyses, and gap analyses.
Coach and develop hourly trainers to elevate instructional quality.
Improve training data accuracy, KPIs, and reporting.
Partner with operations to track progression, certification timelines, and readiness‑to‑perform metrics.
Ensure compliance with Operator Skill & Knowledge Training requirements.
Facilitate training development, updates, and continuous improvement.
Participate in RCFA where training is a factor.
Provide guidance to leaders on appropriate training solutions.
Support Manufacturing Excellence tools and standardized work practices.
Introduce new learning methods, technologies, and innovative training models.
Support community workforce development initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Required Experience and Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Development, Human Resources, Business, Engineering or related field OR Associates Degree with a minimum of 7 years of experience in learning and development or training.

Required Skills

Strong planning, project management, and organizational skills.
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Skill in influencing and guiding stakeholders outside direct reporting lines.
Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret training data and identify trends.

Preferred Skills

Experience with training systems, learning platforms, and competency-based programs.
Ability to design, interpret, and implement training needs analyses and corrective actions.
Experience working within a unionized environment.
Knowledge of organizational development practices, leadership development, and facilitation.

Application information

Billerud NA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.

Why us?

At Billerud, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward thinking team dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future. We’re committed to supporting your growth, well being, and long term success.

Impactful Work – Contribute to meaningful sustainability initiatives.
Career Growth – Access development programs and internal advancement opportunities.
Education Support – Tuition reimbursement + certificate programs through partner schools.
Competitive Compensation – Performance based bonus eligibility (role dependent).
Multiple medical plans with virtual care options
Generous 401(k) offerings
HSA contribution match + additional preventive exam contribution
Company paid disability insurance

Our recruitment process may include interviews, recruitment test, reference checks, and alcohol & drug testing.

Do you want to help create a sustainable future through your work?

At Billerud, we are fully committed to reduce our and our customers carbon footprint by offering high-performance paper and packaging materials. We are convinced that the right solutions can be important tools to help fight climate change. That's why we see it as our responsibility to enable the best packaging choices, for a better tomorrow.

Our proud history in the forestry and paper industry goes back more than 150 years. Since then, we’ve grown to what we are today: a world leading company in high-performing paper and packaging materials - passionately committed to sustainability, quality, and customer value. Our materials are the basis of packaging and paper products used by millions of people around the world, 24 hours a day, all yearround.

We serve customers in more than 100 countries through our three business areas Liquid Packaging Board, Paper and Paper Board. Our nine production units are located in Sweden, USA, and Finland and we have around 6,000 employees in 19 countries. Our annual turnover is approximately SEK 43.5 billion and the share is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. At Billerud we always put safety first, care for each other, and do what we say.

Join us in redefining sustainable packaging and drive meaningful change for a better tomorrow.