Strategic Workforce Learning & Development Lead

Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resiliency, we serve critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious professionals committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence and Transparency.As a Learning & Development Specialist you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the organization's workforce training and development strategy. This role ensures all required compliance and safety training is delivered effectively while building scalable talent development programs to support long-term workforce needs. The role partners closely with internal leaders and the talent team, as well as external education partners, and economic development organizations to create and develop the framework for internships, apprenticeships, and early-career programs.ResponsibilitiesCompliance & Required TrainingWork with other leaders to design, implement, and maintain all mandatory training programs, including but not limited to:Safety, regulatory, and compliance trainingCompany-required policies and certificationsEnsure training programs meet federal, state, and local compliance requirementsTrack completion, certifications, and audit readiness using LMS or internal systemsRegularly review and update training content to reflect regulatory or operational changesLearning & Development ProgramsDevelop and manage workforce learning initiatives aligned with business needs and growth plansPartner with leadership to assess skill gaps and future workforce requirementsWork with the People team to contribute to structured onboarding, upskilling, and reskilling programs for employeesEvaluate training effectiveness using metrics, feedback, and performance outcomesWorkforce Development & Talent Pipeline InitiativesDesign and launch early-career programs such as:Internship programsApprenticeshipsWork-based learning or co-op programsBuild and maintain relationships with:Local colleges, universities, and technical schoolsWorkforce boards and economic development organizationsCommunity and industry partnersRepresent the company in workforce development initiatives, grants, or regional talent programsSupport long-term talent strategy by aligning external partnerships with organizational goalsProgram Management & CollaborationManage budgets, vendors, and external training partners as applicableCollaborate with People Team, EHS, Operations, and Legal to ensure alignment and complianceDevelop policies, documentation, and standard operating procedures related to training programsPrepare reports and updates for leadership on training outcomes and workforce initiativesResponsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the businessQualificationsRequired5+ years of experience in training, learning & development, workforce development, or related rolesExperience managing compliance or regulatory training programsStrong project management and organizational skillsAbility to collaborate across departments and with external partnersMust be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.PreferredBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Organizational Development, Business, or related fieldExperience developing internships, apprenticeships, or early-career programsFamiliarity with workforce development grants or public-private partnershipsExperience working with manufacturing environmentsKnowledge of LMS platforms and training tracking systemsJ-18808-Ljbffr