Basic Job Functions: 

The Workforce Development Team Lead is responsible for leading the implementation of workforce training and development for Production Operations and Maintenance as part of our mission is continuing to build and sustain a culture of learning with our associates.   Functions will include skill assessments, career planning, creation of training content, onboarding new associates, the coordination of training (a majority of which are on-the-job, or classroom based) and collaborate with supervision to on associate’s development tracking.  A Team Lead is expected to contribute directly to the development and delivery of training while also managing direct reports (office associates and crew positions). Leadership in cross functional collaboration is necessary to deliver training programs in all aspects of work (safety, quality, technical, problem solving, and leadership).  The position also involves working with external partners (in business, government, community, and education) to stay abreast of latest workforce and training trends in order to ensure the best available resources and methods are utilized to develop First Solar Associates toward a successful career at First Solar. This is an on-site (not remote) position and may require travel within the US.

Education/Experience:

5 years working with or within a manufacturing environment. 5 years leading teams (direct or indirect reporting) 5 years in teaching or workforce development with experience in at least one of the following: On-the-Job Training Methods Developing Training Material (multi-media forms) Educational or Workforce development programs Community engagement initiatives for developing people. Bachelor Degree in a Technical Discipline, HR organizational development, or educational degree in a STEM field.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Dependable  Passion for learning and helping others grow through a learning organization. Must be able to build cross functional relationship and at all levels of the organization (production associates to management). Possess leadership skills to lead teams and manage projects, exercising judgment and discretion in problem solving to deliver on commitments. Demonstrated ability to engage people in networking and facilitating group activities. Excellent training facilitation skills. Strong organizational skills with focus on detail and thoroughness in tracking and reporting Excellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills (in 1:1 and group settings).  Good skills in facilitation of group learning, leading through others, and 1:1 coaching. Innovative and creative with an eye for high quality work product appropriate for teaching  Teach other skills necessary to improve their contribution to the workforce development program. Competent in Microsoft tools (word, excel, PowerPoint), SharePoint file management, basic picture & video editing.

Essential Responsibilities:

Collaboration with Workforce Development Manager and other cross functional associates in networking with external partners (business, government, community, and education) to assess industry trends and benchmarks for recruitment, training, career pathways, and retention.   Lead recruitment activities with high schools, community colleges, STEM centers and community partners helping people learn about manufacturing and ultimately find employment. Draw upon one's expertise and experiences to provide insight and guidance in refining the workforce development strategy and plans to ensure the best available resources and methods are utilized to attract and develop associates toward a successful career at First Solar. Lead multi-disciplinary internal and external teams to develop, deliver, and maintain training solutions.  The majority will be internally developed content for on-the-job training.  A Team Lead is expected to contribute directly to the development and delivery of training solutions The Team Lead is responsible for ensuring the teams developing training packages follow a consistent format, is of a high-quality professional form, and accompanied with the appropriate supplements (e.g., reference guides, video, verification tools).   The team leader is responsible for ensuring the subject matter experts are involved in creating the content and approving of the identified lead trainers. Facilitate with supervisor and managers the defining of career development pathways for their associates. Coordinate skill assessments, gaps, and training requirements, and then lead the team in the administration of enrolment and scheduling of training.  Lead team in collaboration with trainers, and supervisor manages on training status reporting, and additionally with subject matter experts on verification of training completeness and effectiveness.  Lead team in coordinating the corresponding recognition program for associates as they succeed in their training, skill development, and experience. Supervise direct reports (office associates and crew positions) on the development, delivery, and tracking of training solutions.  The team lead is responsible for managing the team that is onboarding new associates along with their collaboration with crew supervision and production team leaders in providing development care for the new associates in their 90 days.

Reporting Relationships:

The Workforce Development Team Lead will have direct reports.

Travel:

May require travel within the US. If hiring to a new plant prior to plant start, associate will be required to spend extended time (60-80%) in another plant in either Ohio or Alabama for training until their assigned plan starts equipment installation.

Estimated Salary Range:

$65,300 - 93,000, Annually 

US Physical Requirements:

Office / Production Area Hybrid Physical Requirements: This is an office position but will involve a significant amount of time on the production floor. Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift. Will climb stairs on an occasional basis. Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis. Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis. 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required. Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures. May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis. May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis. Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to, steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards) All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) Requirements related to being on the production floor and participation in on-the-job training. Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day. Will climb stairs on a frequent basis. Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction. Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis. Will push or pull up to 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis. Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis. Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis. 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green is required. May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis. May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis. Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures. Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to; steel toed shoes, cut resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses, hearing protection)

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.   All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.         

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.