Lead Technical Training Specialist

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.

Lead Technical Training Specialist Pay Range - $95,200-$123,700

The Lead Technical Training Specialist oversees all aspects of technical training, including analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of company-wide technical skills programs. This position collaborates with internal subject matter experts and external vendors to assess skill gaps and deliver targeted training solutions.

Responsible for guiding both new and existing employees, this role ensures they develop the industry knowledge and technical expertise needed to maximize the use of essential tools and systems. Additionally, the Lead Technical Training Specialist mentors other technical training specialists and instructional designers within the Learning & Development group, supporting the successful execution of technical training initiatives.

Key responsibilities include project management, facilitation, leading without authority, writing and editing, oral communication, presentation skills, track and report training effectiveness and using analytical skills to make data-driven decisions.

• Analyze industry trends and training program data along with stakeholders’ needs to make recommendations for current and future needs of technical training programs.
• Oversee the job task assessments process and program.
• Manage training program costs to ensure budgeted dollars are not exceeded for training expenses while understanding the financial and budgetary impact of decisions.
• Facilitate the involvement of technical SMEs and staff in development and delivery of training to help close performance gaps.

• Form strategic partnerships with leadership and subject matter experts to incorporate diverse perspectives in programs; and use business data to identify and target areas for training development.

• Evaluate and monitor vendor contracts to ensure alignment with training objectives, quality standards, and budget.
• Act as the primary liaison between management, SME personnel, and trainers to facilitate progress toward the goal of the technical support training program.

• Lead cross-functional teams and manage internal/external resources to deliver high-impact training initiatives.

Analysis:

• Perform training needs analysis, identify learning skills gaps, and develop technical training solutions where needed within the company.
• Create and evaluate potential solutions to problems, seek appropriate support to solve problems and act appropriately when decisions are made and solutions selected.
• Leverage learning analytics and performance data to identify root causes of performance gaps and recommend evidence-based training interventions.

Design and Delivery:

• Provide training and competency assessment on new procedures, applications, and tools.
• Determine the most effective internal and/or external training delivery methodology and performance support tools (on-the-job, classroom, e-learning, workshops, simulations, etc.) to minimize gaps and improve job performance while meeting business needs and yielding the most performance improvement for least time and cost invested.

• Design scalable, repeatable training frameworks that ensure consistency in skill development across all business units.

• Lead the design and development of assessment and software tools, training sessions, technical training support efforts and reporting of those efforts.
• Develop and manage comprehensive job task analysis, assessment and skills gap identification programs.
• Incorporate modern learning technologies where appropriate to increase learner engagement and knowledge retention.

Coordination: 

• Coordinate with team members on:
  • Determining the most effective online content and e-learning opportunities.
  • Script development and vetting when needed.

• Determining most effective (interactive) presentation of content.
• Developing and maintain a technical training program within the learning management system.

• Secure all needed support for a technical skills program, including materials, facilities and subject matter experts.
• Independently lead the lifecycle of technical training projects, including stakeholder engagement, content design, pilot testing, rollout, and feedback incorporation.

Measurement:

• Document procedures and policies as reference material.

• Track, assess and communicate trainee progress to department leadership.

• Maintain reporting of training metrics to establish baselines and on-going analysis of technical training program effectiveness.
• Assure the maintenance and accuracy of the technical support materials and training courses.

Other:

• Manage special projects as assigned.
• Regular attendance and punctuality.

• Understand and comply with SPP Policies and Procedures.
• Provide training assistance in the areas of expertise to other employees, as needed.
• Administrative skills (e.g., e-mails, documentation, etc.)

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a technical, business-related or education/training-related field or equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience Requirements:

• Ten (10) years of job-related experience in training and/or performance support experience with at least three (3) years of direct or indirect leadership experience

Required:

• Deep understanding of the systematic approach to training, performance support and job tasks analysis and assessment.
• Proven ability to conduct job task analyses, training needs assessments, and skills gap analyses.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering technical training across multiple delivery methods (e.g., in-person, e-learning, virtual classroom, simulations).
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and apply it to improve learning solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience partnering with technical experts and leadership to meet organizational goals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a dynamic environment with attention to detail and deadlines.

Preferred:

• Ten (10) years of job-related experience in the electric utility industry.
• Advanced degree in a business-related or education/training-related field.
• Evidence of self-initiative, self-direction, motivation, as well as critical and creative thinking skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the operations of the Bulk Electric System.
• Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures OR
• Understanding of compliance with and enforcement of SPP Policies and Procedures.
• Training experience within the electric utility industry.
• Three (3) years of project management experience.

SPP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and is committed to excellence. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - Southwest Power Pool.

Full job descriptions will be made available to those selected for an interview.

Salary : $95,200 - $123,700