Learning & Development Lead

Manufacturing Learning & Development Lead

Location: Kansas City, KS
Industry Leader | $200M Expansion | 80-Year Legacy

Owens Corning is investing in excess of $200 million to transform our Kansas City Fiberglass Insulation Plant—adding jobs, expanding capabilities, and shaping the future of manufacturing at a facility that has been a cornerstone of building products production for 80 years. We’re looking for a Manufacturing Learning & Development Lead who thrives on challenges, inspires teams, and delivers results that matter.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Manufacturing L&D Lead will be responsible for the design, development, and execution of the training strategy for the plant, which includes equipment operations, quality, safety, and maintenance training. They will work closely with other departments to ensure alignment with the overall plant strategy and priorities. The Manufacturing L&D Lead will collaborate with unions and the management team to identify training gaps and develop solutions. They will track training progress, report on success metrics, and make recommendations for improvements.

Reports to: HR Leader

Span of Control: 3 direct reports

What You’ll Do 

Training Program Development and Implementation

• Develop and implement training programs for front line employees.
• Conduct training sessions as necessary on operations, quality, maintenance, and safety related topics.
• Create training materials such as technical manuals, presentations, and videos.
• Build and/or lead the implementation of the change management strategy for adoption of new training standards, policies, and practices.

Gap Analysis and Closure

• Identify skill-related losses and training gaps using various modes of data gathering, such as production losses, trend analysis, and manpower gaps.
• Lead multi-functional teams in root cause analysis evaluations to identify skill-related gaps.
• Develop gap closure plans that are flexible enough to be implemented in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Influence and collaborate with department leaders to facilitate training gap closure.

Training Metrics and Record Keeping

• Forecast training plan closure and cost/benefits.
• Gather and report on training metrics and take proactive action on data trends.
• Analyze training data to identify
• Ensure record keeping/training tracking process is current and consistent.
• Manage electronic & manual training tracking systems.
• Lead various plant regulatory training audits

Coaching and Relationship Building

• Coach training coordinators, operators, engineers, and other subject matter experts in the skill validation process.
• Coach departments in the development of content.
• Coach and develop Department Training Coordinators.
• Build and maintain a relationship of trust and respect with a multifunctional team.
• Effectively communicate to front line workers up to director level.

Community and Vendor Management

• Identify eligible grants and manage the application process.
• Manage outside vendors on an as-needed basis in the development of training activities, i.e., new equipment start-ups.
• Develop a strong presence in the community by attending events and building meaningful relationships and partnerships with local organizations..

What We’re Looking For / Job Requirements 

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of experience in a manufacturing setting.
• A degree in learning & development, human resources, or other related fields with plant level manufacturing experience, or manufacturing experience in operations, maintenance, or other related technical field with documented training & development experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• • Talent Center LMS experience.
  • Smartsheet experience.
  • Microsoft SharePoint experience.
  • Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) experience. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
  • Strong coaching skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at different levels.
  • Strong Knowledge of modern adult learning theory.
  • Strong ability to manage through ambiguity.

Candidates must be able to meet the physical and environmental requirements of working in a manufacturing setting at Owens Corning. This includes supporting a 24/7, fast-paced, and ever-changing environment in a non-climate-controlled facility. Essential physical capabilities include but aren’t limited to the ability to lift up to 40 pounds, maneuver up and down stairs, and perform continuous standing, lifting, bending, and other physically demanding tasks.

Why Owens Corning?

• Be part of a $200M state-of-the-art transformation that will help shape the future of manufacturing in Kansas City.
• Lead in a plant with a proud 80-year history and a bold future.
• Join a global building products leader committed to innovation, sustainability, and being a strong community partner.

Experience a culture that prioritizes people and progress, grounded in values of caring, curiosity, collaboration, and commitment.

A bright future for Kansas City

In 2024, Owens Corning announced a major investment in a new fiberglass insulation production line at our Kansas City manufacturing facility. Scheduled to come online in 2027, this expansion strengthens our U.S. fiberglass insulation network and adds versatile capabilities for both residential and non-residential applications. The new line incorporates advanced technology to drive improvements in product quality, consistency, innovation, and sustainability. This investment underscores our commitment to serving customers, reinforcing our leadership in the market, and supporting economic growth in the Kansas City community.  

About Owens Corning  

Owens Corning is a residential and commercial building products leader committed to building a sustainable future through material innovation. Our products provide durable, sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that leverage our unique capabilities and market-leading positions to help our customers win and grow. We are global in scope, human in scale with more than 25,000 employees in 31 countries dedicated to generating value for our customers and shareholders and making a difference in the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1938 and based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, Owens Corning posted 2024 sales of $11.0 billion. For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com. 

Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.