Operations Training Manager

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world.

A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.

Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Training & Workforce Development Manager to lead the next phase of our manufacturing training transformation. This role will be responsible for developing and executing a world-class training organization that supports employee growth from onboarding through advanced technical mastery and leadership development.

The ideal candidate will drive training standardization, workforce capability development, competency-based learning, cross-training initiatives, certification programs, and workforce readiness across multiple manufacturing sites. This individual will partner closely with Operations, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and Leadership teams to build a scalable workforce development system that supports operational excellence, employee engagement, and company growth.

Key Responsibilities
Training Strategy & Workforce Development

• Lead the development and execution of the company's workforce training and development strategy
• Build structured learning pathways from entry-level onboarding through advanced technical and leadership development
• Align training initiatives with operational, quality, safety, and business objectives
• Establish standardized training frameworks across manufacturing operations
• Drive continuous improvement of training systems, content, and delivery methods

Training Operations & Program Management

• Manage training coordinators and training resources supporting manufacturing operations
• Oversee onboarding, functional skills training, technical development, compliance training, and leadership programs
• Ensure consistent execution of training standards across departments and facilities
• Coordinate training priorities in partnership with operations leaders
• Support deployment of hands-on learning initiatives and training center activities

Onboarding & Employee Development

• Maintain and enhance structured onboarding programs including:
  • New Hire Orientation
  • First Day and Week One Programs
  • 30-60-90 Day Development Plans
  • Competency Evaluations
  • Progress Reviews and Follow-Ups
• Improve new hire readiness, retention, and time-to-productivity
• Establish clear development plans for manufacturing employees at all levels

Competency Management & Training Matrix Administration

• Lead development and maintenance of enterprise-wide training matrix systems
• Track employee skills, qualifications, certifications, equipment authorizations, and cross-training progress
• Provide visibility into workforce readiness, capability gaps, and succession risks
• Develop workforce capability dashboards and reporting tools
• Support strategic workforce planning through training data and analytics

Standardization & Documentation

• Oversee standardization and governance of:
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Work Instructions (WIs)
  • Standard Work Documentation
  • Competency Validation Forms
• Ensure documents support effective training and knowledge transfer
• Partner with department leaders to maintain accurate and current training materials
• Strengthen version control, ownership, and training integration processes

Cross-Training & Organizational Readiness

• Develop and implement company-wide cross-training programs
• Create departmental cross-training maps and rotational development plans
• Reduce dependency on critical personnel through knowledge transfer initiatives
• Drive workforce flexibility and operational resilience
• Monitor and report department readiness and skill coverage levels

Compliance & Certification Programs

• Oversee certification and recertification programs for manufacturing and safety-related activities
• Manage training requirements for equipment operation, material handling, safety systems, and department-specific certifications
• Ensure training compliance documentation and recordkeeping requirements are maintained
• Partner with Safety and Operations teams to support regulatory and company requirements

Training Analytics & Performance Metrics

• Develop and maintain executive-level training dashboards and reporting systems
• Track and analyze:
  • Training Completion Rates
  • Competency Progression
  • Certification Compliance
  • Cross-Training Participation
  • Onboarding Effectiveness
  • Time-to-Proficiency
  • Workforce Readiness
  • Training ROI
• Use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives

Cross-Site Alignment & Leadership Partnership

• Drive training alignment and standardization across multiple manufacturing facilities
• Facilitate sharing of best practices between sites and departments
• Partner with operational leaders to identify capability gaps and workforce development opportunities
• Support leadership development initiatives and succession planning efforts
• Serve as a key advisor to leadership on workforce capability and training strategy

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Business, Manufacturing, or related field preferred
• 7+ years of experience in training, workforce development, organizational development, manufacturing operations, or related field
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing training programs or teams
• Experience building structured training systems within a manufacturing, industrial, or operational environment
• Strong understanding of competency-based training, workforce development, and adult learning principles
• Experience developing training matrices, certification programs, and employee development pathways
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive change
• Strong analytical skills with experience utilizing training metrics and reporting tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Power BI, and Learning Management Systems (preferred)
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills

What you'll receive for the great work you provide:

• Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Matching 401(k) Contributions
• Vacation and Paid Sick Time
• Tuition Reimbursement

Application Deadline:

Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume.

Job Category
Operations

Is Sponsorship Available?
No

Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email View email address on click.appcast.io and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).