Technical Training Manager - LIFT Systems

Primary Function

GP Academy is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Technical Training Manager to support the LIFT Division at Gregory Poole. This role will lead the development and execution of technical training and workforce development initiatives across the division. This role will report directly to the GP Academy Director and will supervise a team of 4 direct reports.  

As the Technical Training Manager, you will partner closely with GP Academy peers, operational leaders, employees, subject-matter experts, and other stakeholders to identify skill gaps and build training solutions that make a measurable difference in the business.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys getting close to the operation, understanding what employees and leaders really need, and turning those insights into practical, high-impact training programs. You’ll have the opportunity to influence how we develop technical talent, strengthen operational capabilities, and prepare our workforce for the future.

Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills are preferred but not required.

Experience with forklift operations, lift-truck systems, or material-handling equipment is a strong plus. Experience with Hyster-Yale Material Handling equipment and OEM training programs would be especially valuable

Essential Duties 

We’re looking for someone who combines training and development expertise with operational curiosity. You should be comfortable walking into an operation, asking the right questions, listening to employees and leaders, identifying the real performance gaps, and building a plan to address them.

The strongest candidates will bring experience in areas such as:

• Technical training, workforce development, learning and development, or operational training leadership.
• Conducting needs assessments and translating findings into actionable training strategies.
• Facilitating focus groups and collaborating with employees and leaders at multiple levels of an organization.
• Designing and implementing technical training programs and structured learning paths.
• Working with or administering Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Leading people, projects, budgets, and multiple training priorities.
• Measuring training effectiveness and using data and feedback to continuously improve programs.
• Working in an equipment, industrial, service, manufacturing, distribution, or similarly technical environment.

Technical Training Strategy & Workforce Development 

• Develop and execute technical training strategies aligned with business objectives, workforce needs, and OEM requirements 
• Assess current and future technical skill, certification, and workforce development needs in partnership with operational leadership 
• Establish annual and long-term training plans, priorities, calendars, and measurable performance objectives 
• Maintain technical career development frameworks and support employee progression through defined training, certification, mentoring, and skills requirements 
• Support onboarding and continuing technical development programs for employees throughout their careers 

Training Program Development & Delivery 

• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of technical training programs, curricula, and supporting materials 
• Ensure training incorporates appropriate classroom, hands-on, online, on-the-job, and OEM learning methods 
• Partner with Instructional Designers, technical subject-matter experts, and operational leaders to ensure training is accurate, effective, and aligned with learning principles 
• Maintain consistent standards for course content, instructional materials, assessments, and training documentation 
• Ensure technical training remains current with changing products, technologies, systems, procedures, and OEM requirements 

Training Coordination & Administration 

• Oversee scheduling and coordination of technical training based on operational priorities, employee development needs, certification requirements, instructor availability, equipment, and facilities 
• Coordinate OEM, specialized, and Train-the-Trainer programs as needed. 
• Ensure appropriate equipment, tools, software, facilities, and other resources are available to support effective training 
• Maintain accurate training, attendance, assessment, certification, and employee development records within applicable systems 
• Communicate training schedules, requirements, and employee progress to appropriate leaders and stakeholders 

Technical Career Development & Operational Support 

• Maintain and support technical career development programs, including career guides, certification requirements, skills assessments, Individual Learning Plans, mentoring, and on-the-job training 
• Partner with managers, mentors, and employees to identify development needs and appropriate career progression opportunities 
• Provide guidance to operational leaders and employees regarding technical training, certification, and workforce development requirements 
• Serve as a resource for technical training and development issues and coordinate appropriate technical or OEM support when needed 

OEM & Stakeholder Collaboration 

• Serve as a primary training and development liaison with applicable OEMs, product groups, operational leaders, and internal stakeholders 
• Monitor OEM requirements, product changes, emerging technologies, and industry developments that may affect technical training needs 
• Participate in relevant meetings, seminars, training sessions, and planning activities to maintain current technical and instructional knowledge 
• Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure training initiatives support operational performance and business priorities 

Training Effectiveness & Continuous Improvement 

• Establish and monitor KPIs to evaluate training participation, effectiveness, employee development, certification, and departmental performance 
• Analyze training results, assessments, operational feedback, and performance data to identify improvement opportunities 
• Implement program improvements based on business needs, employee performance, feedback, and changing technical requirements 
• Ensure training programs and documentation meet applicable organizational, OEM, safety, and compliance standards 

Leadership & Resource Management 

• Lead, coach, and develop assigned training personnel and provide direction for day-to-day activities, priorities, and performance expectations 
• Manage performance, development, and personnel actions within assigned authority 
• Assess and manage contractors, vendors, instructors, and other external training resources as needed 
• Develop and manage departmental resources and budgets to support training priorities and operational needs 
• Assign training resources to support regional and divisional needs, including on-the-job training, skills assessments, onboarding, and specialized technical development 
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, continuous learning, technical excellence, employee development, and operational support 

Minimum Requirements 

Education 

Bachelor’s degree in Diesel Technology, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience). 

Work Experience 

• 7-10+ years of experience as a technician or technical trainer in heavy equipment, power systems, or related industries; 1- 3+ years supervisory/management experience.  
• Strong knowledge of Hyster/Yale/Forklift equipment and systems preferred.  
• Experience with instructional delivery, adult learning principles, and hands-on training.  
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.  
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, budgets, and personnel effectively. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Learning Management Systems (LMS). 

Physical 

• Have the ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.  

Other 

• Experience with forklift operations, lift-truck systems, or material-handling equipment is a strong plus. Experience with Hyster-Yale Material Handling equipment and OEM training programs would be especially valuable
• Ongoing professional development requirements through monthly hands-on work with senior technicians on multiple complex equipment platforms to develop the practical proficiency necessary to support the training curriculum.  
• Instructor Accreditation or OEM training certifications are strongly preferred; or gain certification within 6-12 months of hire date.  
• Experience with eLearning tools or blended learning environments. MACS instructor certification and/or gain certification within 6-12 months of hire date.  
• Ability to travel to multiple Gregory Poole branch locations or a central location weekly for training purposes. 
• Spanish fluency is a plus.  
• Must hold a valid driver's license.  

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Your supervisor may request and assign you similar duties. Any major modification of this job role requires Human Resources approval.