Program Director – Technical Trades & Workforce Training

XL Pro Staffing and Consulting is NOW HIRING Program Director – Technical Trades & Workforce Training!

Location: Richardson, TX (HQ)

Salary: $120,000 annually

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Setting: In-Person Preferred | Local Travel Required

Reports To: Executive Leadership Team

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven Program Director to design, launch, and lead a new division focused on upskilling individuals in high-demand technical trades. Initial program tracks will include Soldering, Robotics/Electronics/Automation, and Industrial Maintenance.

This role will take ownership of the program’s development and success—from curriculum design and team building to partnerships, recruitment, grant acquisition, and job placement outcomes. The ideal candidate is passionate about workforce development and building pathways into skilled trades for students, career changers, and non-traditional learners.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Launch

• Design and implement technical training programs in soldering, robotics/electronics, and industrial maintenance
• Scale and enhance an existing soldering curriculum for broader use
• Define program structure, including schedule, delivery model (in-person/co-op), materials, labs, and tuition structure
• Develop stackable credential pathways (micro-certifications, full credentials, advanced training)
• Oversee scheduling, budgeting, and operational rollout of programs

School & Community Partnerships

• Build partnerships with local high schools to create recruitment pipelines and co-op programs for juniors and seniors
• Collaborate with community colleges to align training programs or articulate credit pathways
• Develop and manage a school ambassador program to increase awareness among counselors, parents, and students
• Represent the program at career fairs, STEM events, and educational meetings

Employer & Industry Engagement

• Establish relationships with manufacturing, automation, and skilled trade employers
• Gather employer feedback to ensure curriculum relevance and industry alignment
• Develop internship, co-op, and placement opportunities for program participants
• Promote upskilling services and workforce development training to employer partners

Internal Collaboration

• Work cross-functionally with sales, recruiting, and operations teams
• Train internal teams on program offerings and value propositions
• Develop sales and training materials to support employer engagement
• Align training outcomes with workforce placement opportunities

Funding & Growth Strategy

• Identify and apply for workforce development grants at the local, state, and federal levels
• Monitor program budgets and ensure financial sustainability
• Track performance metrics including enrollment, retention, placement, and employer satisfaction
• Provide regular reports and recommendations for program expansion

Qualifications

Required

• 5 years of experience in workforce development, skilled trades training, CTE education, or technical program management
• Experience building programs from the ground up or leading significant program growth
• Knowledge of at least one of the following areas: soldering/electronics, automation/robotics, or industrial maintenance
• Familiarity with workforce trends and employer needs within technical or manufacturing industries
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage schools, employers, and internal teams
• Leadership experience, including hiring, team development, and cross-functional collaboration
• Passion for supporting workforce learners and career development pathways
• Certified Maintenance Industrial
• Certification Electrician, Plumping

Preferred

• Experience with K–12 CTE programs or dual-credit initiatives
• Familiarity with IPC certifications, robotic platforms, or PLC training
• Grant writing or public funding administration experience
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

What Success Looks Like

• Launching multiple technical training tracks aligned with employer needs within the first year
• Developing strong partnerships with schools and community organizations
• Building a sustainable training model with measurable job placement outcomes
• Creating new revenue opportunities through training programs and partnerships
• Establishing a pipeline of instructors and advocates for technical education

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $120,000 annually
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Health, Dental, and Vision benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Mission-driven environment with opportunities to innovate and lead

If you are interested in this position, please apply here. For any questions, please contact us at chelsea@xlpro.com