SENIOR HR SPECIALIST, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

IMPACT AND OPPORTUNITY

This role plays a critical role in driving the effectiveness and strategic alignment of Training & Development at Gentherm Monterrey. The Sr. HR Specialist – Training & Development is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating learning strategies that build technical and behavioral capabilities across operational, technical, and salary-level staff.The position has a direct impact on workforce readiness, performance acceleration, and organizational culture by ensuring the proper onboarding, upskilling, certification, and continuous development of all employees. The role also contributes to compliance with legal and customer audit requirements (IATF, RBA, OEMs), while fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and excellence through robust methodologies and performance metrics.This is a key position within the HR team, expected to proactively influence operations, quality, and leadership development through high-impact training solutions, data-driven decisions, and a deep understanding of automotive manufacturing environments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic HR Support and Leadership

• Serve as a subject matter expert in Training & Development, providing strategic support to HR Leadership in defining and executing the organizational learning agenda.
• Lead the annual Training Needs Analysis (DNC) across all employee levels (direct, indirect, technical, and salaried), ensuring alignment with business priorities, performance gaps, and legal requirements.
• Design, implement, and manage comprehensive training programs that support technical upskilling, cross-training (polivalency), soft skills development, and leadership readiness.
• Own and maintain the operational Training Matrix, ensuring accurate reflection of skill coverage, recertification status, and compliance with customer-specific and audit requirements (IATF 16949, RBA, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, etc.).
• Supervise and develop the team of operational trainers across shifts and locations, ensuring consistency, methodology alignment, and instructional quality.
• Design and deliver onboarding programs that ensure successful integration, cultural alignment, and early productivity for all new hires.
• Create and maintain technical content: SOPs, job aids, training manuals, e-learning modules, and assessment tools aligned to learning objectives.
• Apply modern learning methodologies and instructional design principles (e.g., VARK, 4-Step Method, 70-20-10, microlearning) in course development and trainer formation.
• Evaluate training effectiveness using tools such as pre/post testing, satisfaction surveys, observation checklists, retention metrics, and performance indicators.
• Track and report key training KPIs (training hours per capita, program completion, % of certified operators, DNC closure rate, etc.) and use data for continuous improvement.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing and presenting training documentation and evidence required by STPS and OEM customers.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation in TRESS, SIRCE, and internal systems, as required by audits and corporate policy.

Employee Relations and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with national labor regulations (STPS), customer-specific requirements (IATF 16949, RBA, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and any other client), and internal policies regarding training and development.
• Maintain and audit training records, certifications, attendance logs, and course evaluations in both physical and digital formats, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for internal and external audits.
• Monitor training expiry dates and proactively manage recertification plans to prevent compliance gaps.

HR Operations and Systems

• Ensure accurate and timely administration of all training-related data in internal systems such as TRESS, including training logs, certification records, onboarding documentation, and trainer assignments.
• Maintain complete and auditable records in SIRCE to comply with all legal training obligations established by the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Education, Organizational Psychology, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in Training & Development, including hands-on work in manufacturing environments (preferably automotive).
• Proven experience coordinating and leading operational training teams and implementing structured onboarding, certification, and cross-training programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on participation in IATF 16949, RBA, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and other customer audits, specifically in the area of training evidence and compliance.
• Strong command of training methodologies (e.g., 4-Step Method, TWI, 70-20-10, VARK, ADDIE) and instructional design principles.
• Experience conducting DNC (Training Needs Analysis) for salary, technical, and direct labor populations.
• Advanced proficiency in managing Training Matrices, recertification schedules, onboarding logs, and audit documentation.
• Proven ability to design, deliver, and evaluate technical, compliance, and soft skills training programs.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, filters, formulas, graphs), PowerPoint (executive-level decks), and Word (manuals, formats).
• Experience using training-related systems such as TRESS, SIRCE, SharePoint or similar platforms.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of the organization.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification in Organizational Development, Talent Management, Industrial Relations, or Education.
• Formal training or certification in Train-the-Trainer, Coaching, or Learning & Development methodologies.
• Internal Auditor certification in IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and/or ISO 45001.
• Experience working in multi-plant or global organizations, ideally within Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive suppliers.
• Hands-on experience implementing e-learning platforms, microlearning solutions, or blended learning models.
• Experience creating and managing KPIs and dashboards to monitor training effectiveness and team performance.
• Knowledge of NOM-035, RBA principles, DEI frameworks, and their integration into training programs.
• Strong analytical thinking and ability to translate training data into actionable insights.
• Ability to lead cross-functional training initiatives in collaboration with all teams.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Advanced English required: must be able to hold business conversations, understand corporate communications, and participate in regional and global meetings.
• Intermediate or advanced knowledge of survey tools (e.g., Microsoft Forms, Google Forms) and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI is a plus).