Workforce Development Manager

Requisition ID: 285057 

•  Relocation Authorized: National - Single 
• Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project 
• Work Location: Brownsville, TX 

Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. 

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. 

Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report. 

Project Overview:

Bechtel is partnering with NextDecade to support their vision to provide the world access to lower carbon intensive energy with their Rio Grande LNG (RGLNG) project in Brownsville, Texas.

RGLNG is a natural gas liquefaction and export terminal situated on a 984-acre site on the banks of the Brownsville ship channel. The first phase of the RGLNG project consists of three liquefaction trains, two storage tanks and one marine berth. At full capacity, the five-train facility will have a production capacity of 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Project Location Overview:

Brownsville, Texas is a city known for its diverse history, tradition, and rich culture. Located in the southernmost region in the beautiful state of Texas, lays Brownsville a rich, tropical oasis bordering the Rio Grande River and near the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Brownsville embraces innovation, looks forward to the future and beyond!

Job Summary:

Leads the project’s craft professional workforce development and training initiatives, driving the implementation of structured programs that support skills growth, capability building, and career progression. Oversees internal and external apprenticeship programs, coordinates craft-specific upskilling pathways, and manages internal assessment processes to ensure readiness for role advancement and project needs. Proactively addresses skill gaps through targeted learning interventions, ensuring the workforce is equipped to meet project demands, whilst promoting upskilling and training to close skill shortages ahead of time. Interfaces with Project Management, Construction, the customer, and third-party vendors. #LI-BH1

Major Responsibilities:

• Accountable for workforce development, craft training, and craft communication efforts on the project. Identifies skill shortages early and implements proactive training, internal assessments, and upskilling initiatives to ensure craft professionals are prepared for current and future project demands.
• Leads the implementation and oversight of internal and external apprenticeship programs, on-the-job training, and structured learning pathways that support advancement from entry-level to journey-level roles.
• Oversees the Workforce Development team, including the scheduling, delivery, and tracking of all site-based training activities. Provides strategic leadership to ensure training programs are aligned with project goals and craft progression needs.
• Manages internal craft assessment programs, including skills verification and role-readiness evaluations, ensuring consistent application across disciplines and alignment with project expectations.
• Leads a team of trainers and assessors responsible for delivering craft, compliance, and skills-based training programs, and ensures standardization and quality across all learning and assessment activities.
• Manages the project's ES&H Safety Orientation program, ensuring all new hires and transferring personnel receive consistent and comprehensive onboarding aligned with site safety expectations and procedures.
• Oversees the site Verification of Competency (VOC) program, ensuring workers are properly assessed for the safe and competent execution of high-risk and task-specific activities.
• Establishes communication plans to ensure craft professionals are regularly informed of training opportunities, program changes, and expectations. Facilitates ongoing feedback mechanisms to drive program improvement.
• Ensures adherence to Bechtel and Workforce Services policies and procedures, with a focus on training and development protocols. Maintains awareness of labor laws and legislation related to craft training, apprenticeships, and licensing.
• Collaborates with Environmental, Safety, and Health (ES&H) management to integrate safety training and qualification requirements into overall workforce development efforts.
• Reviews project estimates, budgets, and training allocations to ensure sufficient resources are available for delivery of workforce development programs, apprenticeships, and upskilling efforts.
• Ensures compliance with Standard Work Processes and Procedures (SWPPs), regulatory requirements, and licensure/certification tracking for positions requiring occupational qualifications. Upholds employee data privacy regulations in the handling of training and assessment records.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 8 -10 years of relevant experience or 12-14 years of relevant work experience

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in the construction industry, with progressive responsibility and hands-on experience in craft roles.
• Recognized trade or craft certification, with demonstrated leadership in mentoring, training, or assessing craft professionals.
• Strong understanding of craft skills development, including on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and Verification of Competency (VOC) programs.
• Previous experience delivering or coordinating site-based training and/or leading a crew with a focus on skills development and safe work practices.

Additional Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of workforce development practices, including internal assessment programs, craft progression, and upskilling pathways.
• Familiarity with labor regulations and site policies related to training, orientation, and craft certification requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or coordinate a team, including trainers, assessors, or craft leads involved in skill development.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple training initiatives or projects simultaneously.
• Clear, professional communication skills—able to present to groups, document processes, and interact with craft, supervision, and management.
• Comfortable using basic computer systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and digital training or assessment tools.
• Experience in identifying skill gaps in the field and implementing practical solutions to close them.
• Able to contribute to the design and delivery of hands-on, craft-relevant training courses and onboarding programs such as site orientation.
• Values safety, quality, and continuous improvement in training and workforce development initiatives.

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com