Head of Manufacturing Learning Programs

The Global Head of Manufacturing Learning Programs leads GM’s global technical learning strategy and oversees a comprehensive ecosystem that includes Technical Learning University (TLU), Automotive Manufacturing Electrical College (AMEC), workforce readiness for vehicle and propulsion launches, and trainings deployed across our production plants globally.   

Located at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, TLU and AMEC form the cornerstone of GM’s technical education ecosystem. TLU, launched in 2017, focuses on upskilling and reskilling skilled trades and manufacturing engineers through programs like the Electrical Apprentice Program and Controls Engineer College. AMEC complements this by providing immersive, hands-on electrical training for vehicle launch readiness in a safe, collaborative environment. Together, these institutions deliver classroom and practical learning experiences that prepare employees for advanced technologies and evolving manufacturing roles—strengthening GM’s competitive edge and workforce capability worldwide. 

This role partners with major business functions to build a learning culture that delivers measurable strategic value aligned with GM’s business objectives. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in automotive manufacturing and applies human performance improvement frameworks to diagnose performance gaps and design holistic solutions—both learning and non-learning. Acting as the primary liaison between business leaders and the central learning team, this leader ensures solutions move seamlessly from design and development through delivery. Beyond implementation, they measure impact, drive continuous improvement, and embed change management practices, so initiatives are not “one-and-done,” but integrated with broader processes to sustain performance gains. In addition, this leader coaches and develops their team to apply these same principles—empowering them to consult effectively, solve problems, and deliver solutions that improve performance across regions and programs. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Define and execute a global learning strategy for manufacturing and manufacturing engineering, integrating regional needs, business objectives, safety and quality standards. 

• Collaborate with business leadership and HR to understand organizational goals and identify skill gaps and create targeted interventions. 

• Establish governance for program delivery across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia and develop frameworks for regional customization while maintaining global standards. 

• Lead TLU and AMEC as GM’s technical education hub, setting curriculum direction and partnerships with external vendors and academic institutions where necessary. 

• Oversee analysis to identify the root cause of performance gaps (skill, culture, processes, incentives, etc.) and communicate results to business leaders with recommended solutions.  

• Provide oversight as new learning solutions are developed, delivered, and administered by the Learning & Development Center of Excellence (COE) to ensure that the target solutions are aligned with intended objectives. 

• Establish and maintain trust-based relationships with stakeholders at all levels, becoming a go-to resource for all learning and development related needs for the given functional area. 

• Facilitate open and transparent communication channels regarding learning initiatives, ensuring alignment with business needs. Regular meetings with business leaders will be required to ensure that all parties are aware of the status of the learning initiatives and their return on investment. 

• Plan and conduct tours and events in our training facilities for members of the media, senior leadership (including GM executives), and key strategic partners on occasion. 

• Drive enrollment by marketing learning programs with manufacturing leadership, highlighting L&D impact on operational performance and employee experience. 

•  Lead a team of program managers and supervisors, performing all performance management, coaching, and development related activities required of a GM people leader. 

Main Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Education, Organizational Development, or related field. 

• Minimum of 7 years in a manufacturing environment within a training or operations role, with at least 4 years in a leadership role. 

• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, safety compliance, and technical training requirements. 

• Proven ability to manage large-scale training programs and drive measurable business impact. 

• Ability to think strategically and align learning and development initiatives with broader business goals. 

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to establish trust and credibility. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of effectively articulating the value of learning initiatives to diverse audiences. 

• Ability to manage multiple programs with competing deadlines and maintain high levels of organization, thoroughness, and quality. 

• Competence in analyzing learning needs and measuring the impact of learning solutions on individual and organizational performance. 

• Ability to deliver compelling presentations and briefings that showcase manufacturing excellence, innovation, and workforce development initiatives. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Education, Organizational Development, or related field. 

• Automotive manufacturing experience. 

• Certifications in Six Sigma, Performance Thinking, or similar continuous improvement methodologies. 

• Strong knowledge of instructional design principles and adult learning methodologies. 

• Proven experience in change management to support large-scale transformation initiatives. 

• Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and cultural nuances. 

Compensation:

The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws.

The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position, as well as geography of the selected candidate.

• The salary range for this role is $134,000 - $207,000. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

• Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

• Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more

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