Performance and Organizational Development Manager

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Head of Human Resources 

Job Summary

The Performance and Organizational Development Manager is responsible for strengthening workforce capability, leadership effectiveness, and organizational design within a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role drives performance management systems, individual and team development initiatives, and culture-building efforts that align with production goals and employee ownership values. Acting as both a strategic partner and hands-on practitioner, the Manager ensures that training, succession planning, and organizational development programs support operational excellence, reduce turnover, and prepare the company for long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

·         Oversee and continuously improve performance management processes, including goal setting, feedback loops, and annual reviews.

·         Provide coaching to supervisors and managers on performance feedback and employee development practices as KRA’s and IDP’s.

·         Track and report on key performance indicators related to workforce productivity, quality, and engagement.

·         Assess organizational structures and recommend improvements that support efficiency and growth.

·         Build and manage succession planning frameworks to ensure continuity in critical leadership and technical roles.

·         Create and deliver leadership development programs for front-line supervisors and managers.

·         Establish Individual Development Plan (IDP) frameworks for technical experts and high-potential employees.

·         Implement cross-training programs that increase workforce flexibility and reduce operational risk.

·         Strengthen communication and accountability practices across teams.

·         Facilitate workshops, leadership forums, and development sessions to build alignment and collaboration.

Success Indicators

·         Improved performance management consistency and results across the workforce

·         Stronger leadership bench and reduced risk of skill gaps in critical roles.

·         Reduced turnover and improved retention of skilled employees.

·         Increased internal promotions and career progression opportunities.

·         Positive impact on engagement and alignment of workforce development with operational performance.

Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Industrial/Manufacturing Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).

·         5+ years of Organizational Development, Performance Management, or Human Resources experience in a manufacturing environment.

·         Familiarity with heavy industry processes strongly preferred.

·         Proven ability to design and deliver training programs and leadership development

·         Strong communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.

·         Data-driven approach to workforce metrics and ROI analysis.

Core Competencies

·         HRIS / HCM Systems (e.g., ADP, UKG, Workday, Oracle, SAP, etc…) – for employee data, performance management, and reporting.

·         Learning Management Systems (LMS) (e.g., Cornerstone, Moodle, SuccessFactors Learning, Litmos) – for training delivery, tracking, and compliance.

·         Performance & Talent Management Software (e.g., 15Five, Lattice, ClearCompany, BambooHR modules) – for goals, reviews, and feedback loops.

·         Microsoft Excel (intermediate to advanced) – workforce analytics, dashboards, KPIs, training ROI, turnover tracking.

·         Microsoft Power BI or Tableau – for visual workforce and performance analytics.

·         HR/OD Metrics Dashboards – ability to build and interpret dashboards tied to productivity, quality, retention, and training.

·         Microsoft Office Suite – Outlook, Word, PowerPoint (polished presentations and reporting for leadership teams).

·         Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Teams, SharePoint, Slack) – for communication and resource sharing.

·         Project Management Tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Trello, Asana, MS Project) – for managing development initiatives and training rollouts

Work Environment

·         Split between office and manufacturing floor.

·         Regular plant interaction; must follow all PPE and safety protocols.