Learning & Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Learning & Development Specialist

The Learning & Development Specialist serves as the primary Learning & Development owner for Canada, accountable for prioritizing, executing, and delivering learning outcomes that support operational performance across the country. Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Human Resources, this role is responsible for building workforce capability across G&W Canada by leading the development and deployment of structured, skills-based training programs. The Specialist implements Training Within Industry (TWI) methodology, strengthens job instruction and workmanship standards, and ensures employees are effectively onboarded and trained to meet safety, quality, and productivity expectations.

Partnering closely with the Center of Excellence (COE) for Talent and Organizational Development, this role ensures enterprise learning and talent development strategies are executed, embedded, and delivering measurable outcomes aligned to local business needs. The Specialist localizes and deploys training initiatives that enhance workforce capability, support operational performance, and align with company culture and strategic objectives.

Primary / Essential Responsibilities

Training & Development (Primary Focus)

TWI & Job Instruction System Development

Lead implementation and sustainment of Training Within Industry (TWI) methodology across manufacturing operations

Partner with operations leaders to review and refine skills matrices, ensuring alignment with production needs and workmanship standards

Translate work instructions and standard operating procedures into clear, structured Job Instruction (JI) training aids

Develop and standardize Job Breakdown and training materials that support consistent skill transfer

Train-the-Trainer Capability

Design and deploy a Train-the-Trainer model to build internal training capability among supervisors, team leads, and subject matter experts

Coach frontline leaders on effective job instruction, skill verification, and training follow-up

Ensure training delivery is consistent, documented, and aligned with TWI principles

Onboarding & Early Skills Development

Develop structured onboarding programs that integrate TWI methodology early in the employee lifecycle

Focus onboarding on core workmanship, quality standards, and safe work practices to improve early proficiency and reduce errors

Measure onboarding effectiveness through skill attainment, time-to-productivity, and quality metrics

Skills Matrix & Workforce Capability Planning

Begin development of a site-wide training matrix and skills gap analysis to identify current and future capability needs

Support execution and sustainment of apprenticeship programs in partnership with HR, operations, and external institutions

Partner with the Global L&D COE and Director of Global L&D to align local capability-building efforts with global frameworks

Support long-term workforce development planning, including apprenticeship pathways and training roadmaps across :

Technical skills

Leadership development

Core competencies

Leadership Development

Own local deployment, reinforcement, and effectiveness of leadership development programs across Canada

Partner with the Global L&D COE to align and synergize enterprise leadership programs with regional customization and business needs

Ensure leadership offerings span emerging leaders, first-time leaders, and senior leaders

Design and support scalable solutions that build leadership capability and enable continuous leadership development over time

Training Governance & Continuous Improvement

Working with the leadership teams to assess development needs, identify skills gaps, and own the execution, adoption, and sustainment of localized learning solutions that promote safety, productivity and skills enhancement for both salaried and hourly.

Maintain training records, certifications, and skills tracking systems to ensure compliance and audit readiness

Use training and quality data to identify skill gaps and recommend targeted development solutions

Continuously improve training materials and delivery methods to support operational excellence

Human Resources

Support the HR team and the business with talent management which includes performance management.

Assist in administering engagement initiatives, and internal communications.

Maintains visibility with all employees and addresses any issues and concerns that are identified in a timely and professional manner

Support and collaborate with the HR Manager on strategic and operational HR initiatives; serve as acting point of contact in the HR Manager’s absence as delegated

We are looking for someone who :

Bachelor’s degree in Business / Human Resources / Psychology / Industrial Relations or equivalent experience coupled with a Diploma in Human Resources

5+ years of experience owning Learning & Development execution for a site, region, or function within an industrial or manufacturing environment

Knowledge of instructional design, adult learning principles, and training evaluation techniques

Strong facilitation, communication, presentation and coaching skills—comfortable working on the shop floor

Experience implementing Training Within Industry (TWI) or structured job instruction programs

Experience developing skills matrices, job breakdown sheets, or technical training frameworks

Train-the-Trainer certification or demonstrated experience building internal trainer capability

Proficiency in MS Office; experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) is an asset

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Analytical and detail-oriented with a focus on outcomes

Initiative and creativity in developing training solutions

Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgement in adapting and applying procedures to address day-to-day activities

Is client-centric; proactively anticipates and actions internal customers’ needs

Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality

Must have some flexibility to work evenings as required for delivering content across multiple shift schedules (5% of the time)

What we offer you :

Typical pay is $75,000 – 95,000 annually.

Please note the pay information shown above is a general guideline. Pay is based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications.

This position is eligible for participation in our Quarterly Incentive Pay Program

G&W Electric offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes :

Generous Quarterly Bonuses with RRSP Program

Comprehensive Benefit Package including life insurance, health, dental, health care spending account and paramedical services (paid by employer)

Company Holidays (one week shutdown during Christmas Holidays)

Education Tuition Assistance

Job Security

Air-conditioned / heated state-of-the-art manufacturing facility

Wellness and Gym Reimbursement Programs

Training and Developmental Opportunities

Continuous Performance Feedback

Fun social events, holiday party, bowling nights.

And many more…

About G&W Electric

Innovating since 1905, G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe, reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success, so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive.

Learn more about our company by watching this video :

G&W Electric enjoys a long reputation for product quality, innovation and world-class customer service to the power industry. We have established this reputation by believing that our greatest asset is our employees. We owe our success to the initiative and talents of highly skilled individuals within our team-based organization. Our goal is to set the standard for customer satisfaction by ensuring a superior level of service, performance and innovation. As a global organization and industry leader, we are committed to cultivating an engaging work environment that embraces our core values and develops our talent. Our continuous focus on growth and innovation means that you become part of a company that provides challenging opportunities, rewards excellence and combines your individual expertise to achieve a higher level of shared success. As part of our organization, you also help power the world!

G&W Canada Corporation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, upon request. Please let us know if you require any accommodation in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.