Learning and Development Specialist

Job Overview

Komatsu’s Longview Operations is seeking a dynamic and experienced Learning and Development Specialist to drive skills development and training initiatives. This role is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the use of our skills/competency management system specifically for manufacturing skills, implementing virtual reality (VR) training programs, managing content curation and assignment for identified training, and ensuring the comprehensive management of training matrices for hourly staff. Additionally, this role serves as the connection to our Talent Development Center of Excellence (COE), assisting with identifying training gaps for professional staff and implementing solutions. This role will report to the Senior Manager, Human Resources for Longview Operations.

The ideal candidate is passionate about learning, skilled in managing technology-driven solutions, and committed to developing a high-performing workforce.

Key Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

1. Skills/Competency Management System 

• Own and manage our skills/competency management system for Longview to track, assess, and enhance workforce skillsets.
• Collaborate with department leaders to identify skills gaps and develop targeted training plans.
• Maintain up-to-date employee skills profiles and monitor progress toward skills development goals.
• Provide ongoing support and training to users to maximize the effectiveness of the system.

2. Virtual Reality-Based Training Content Curation and Assignment

• Assist in curating and assigning VR-based training content to ensure it meets operational needs.
• Work with stakeholders to align training content with specific department requirements.
• Provide feedback on the effectiveness of VR training materials and support content updates as needed.
• Ensure training assignments are tracked and recorded properly in collaboration with the training staff.

3. Program Implementation Support

• Curate and assign content for the identified leadership training programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Manage the scheduling and coordination of specified training sessions for employees at all levels.
• Monitor employee engagement and retention of key concepts, providing feedback to enhance training impact.

Additional Information

4. Training Matrix Maintenance

• Maintain and regularly update all training matrices for hourly staff, ensuring that required skills and certifications are accurately tracked.
• Collaborate with department managers to ensure timely completion of required training and certifications.
• Assist in identifying and closing training gaps, ensuring compliance with operational and safety requirements.

5. Talent Development COE Liaison for Learning & Development

• Act as the liaison to our Talent Development COE for Longview Operations on matters pertaining to professional learning & development and identified manufacturing skills training.
• Assist in identifying training gaps for salaried employees and work on solutions to fill them.
• Facilitate connections to Komatsu resources and training programs to support professional development for salaried staff.

6. Training Program Coordination

• Work with our training staff to coordinate training programs and align training needs with staff availability.
• Facilitate communication between department managers and trainers to ensure efficient scheduling.
• Ensure training programs meet both current and future operational needs.

7. Learning Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze learning outcomes, program effectiveness, and employee feedback to improve training initiatives.
• Report key training metrics to senior leadership and recommend actionable improvements.
• Stay current with trends in learning technology, training delivery methods, and industry best practices.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Associate’s degree human resources, technical training and education or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree would be an advantage
• 3-5 years of experience in learning and development or a similar role.
• Experience with skills management software and virtual reality training platforms.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment working on a skills-based model
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external vendors.
• Knowledge of employee development programs, Extreme Ownership, is a plus.
• Willingness to become certified as a trainer through the Train the Trainer program/s to deliver training internally, as needed.