Workforce Development Specialist

IMEC Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

IMEC Research is looking for a Workforce Development Specialist based in Illinois. The role involves engaging with manufacturers to improve workforce training systems and onboarding processes, aiming to strengthen employee development and organizational performance.

The ideal candidate holds at least a Bachelor’s degree and has 3+ years of experience in workforce development within manufacturing. A client-focused approach and adaptability to diverse environments are essential for success.

The position requires frequent travel within Illinois and offers a field-based work environment with both remote and onsite tasks.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working with manufacturing organizations.
• Strong background in workforce development and talent management.
• Experience with small and mid-sized manufacturers is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Engage with manufacturers to understand workforce development challenges.
• Provide strategic guidance to improve workforce development success.
• Conduct workforce needs diagnostics to identify capability gaps.

Skills

Workforce development

Talent management

Training systems

Organizational development

Adaptability

Client-focused approach

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

MUST RESIDE IN ILLINOIS

Field-based work environment with work conducted from a home office when not onsite at client facilities.

Frequent travel throughout the state to support client engagements and onsite activities.

Work authorization required. IMEC is unable to sponsor visas for this role.

The Workforce Development Specialist is a hands‑on advisor who leads the implementation of workforce improvement solutions for manufacturers across Illinois. As a subject matter expert, this role delivers high‑impact solutions tailored to client needs, including workforce training systems, onboarding, training and development, career pathways, and performance improvement initiatives. The Workforce Development Specialist partners with client teams to design and implement sustainable workforce solutions that strengthen employee development, align workforce strategies with business objectives, and drive measurable improvements in organizational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with manufacturers to understand workforce development challenges and design solutions that strengthen onboarding, training effectiveness, and employee development, leading to strong retention and improved organizational performance.
• Provide strategic guidance to manufacturers that helps them build a long‑term approach to workforce development success.
• Provide training, coaching, and workforce performance expertise based on client needs and area(s) of specialization.
• Develop proposals and solution plans in collaboration with Regional Managers.
• Manage and execute workforce performance engagements from planning through implementation and outcome tracking, including:
  • Conducting workforce needs diagnostics to identify capability gaps, workforce training challenges, and improvement opportunities.
  • Designing and implementing structured onboarding programs that improve employee integration and time to proficiency.
  • Developing and implementing workforce training systems, including Learning Management System (LMS) integration and training processes that improve consistency and effectiveness.
  • Designing apprenticeship programs and defined career pathway frameworks that support employee development and long‑term workforce sustainability.
  • Developing supervisors by providing tools, frameworks, coaching approaches, and training solutions that strengthen their ability to effectively lead, coach, and develop employees.
  • Develop custom curriculum including educational videos, job aids, training presentations, and other materials as required.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and workforce performance lead throughout the client engagement lifecycle.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of workforce development solutions offered by IMEC.
• Provide thought leadership in workforce performance and development through webinars, public speaking engagements, and published articles.
• Support the development of third‑party resources and strategic partnerships that strengthen workforce performance solutions and services.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience working with manufacturing organizations, including leadership, workforce development, talent management, training, human resources, organizational development, or consulting responsibilities.
• Strong background in workforce development, talent management, training systems, organizational development, human resources, leadership development, or a related field.
• Experience working with small and mid‑sized manufacturers is a plus.

Additional Attributes Include

• Ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously and meet project deadlines.
• Adaptability in diverse environments, including varied manufacturing sectors, multiple touch points across organizations, and company cultures.
• Entrepreneurial and client‑focused approach with the ability to assess varying levels of organizational readiness and tailor solutions that align with client needs, priorities, and continuous improvement goals.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual collaboration platforms.
• Willingness to travel across the state and work in both remote and onsite environments.

Work Environment

• Remote/Field‑Based Work Environment: Work is performed from a home office when not onsite at manufacturing facilities. The role combines independent remote work with regular in‑person client engagement.
• Frequent in‑state travel by automobile and occasional travel by aircraft.
• Requires driving, sitting for extended periods, and working in facilities that may not be ADA accessible.
• Extended hours and weekend work may be required.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

IMEC and its Subrecipient organizations, including Bradley University, SIU, NIU, and UIC are EOE/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran Employers.