Manufacturing Training Specialist

About the Company The Manufacturing Training Specialist is responsible for developing, delivering, and sustaining effective hands‑on training programs across a multi‑site manufacturing organization. This role focuses on building a skilled, safe, and productive factory workforce by standardizing training practices while supporting site specific operational needs. About the Role Working directly on the plant floor, the Specialist trains and qualifies operators, machine assistants, material handlers, technicians, and other semi‑skilled and skilled manufacturing personnel to perform their roles safely, achieve consistent product quality, and meet established production and performance KPIs. Responsibilities Develop and implement the manufacturing training and workforce development strategy in alignment with plant safety, quality, and production KPI goals. Lead and develop a team of trainers, lead operators, and on-the-floor coaches to deliver high‑quality, hands‑on training programs across all shifts. Identify training needs and priorities through job task analysis, skill gap assessments, performance data, audit findings, safety incidents, and stakeholder feedback. Design, develop, and deliver vocational training programs using a blend of classroom instruction, structured on-the-job training (OJT), side-by-side coaching, hands‑on demonstrations, e‑learning, and workshops. Evaluate training effectiveness through written assessments, practical skill demonstrations, competency checkoffs, surveys, and on-the-floor performance data to measure learning outcomes and drive continuous improvement. Manage the training budget, resources, materials, and logistics to ensure efficient and effective delivery of training across the manufacturing organization. Qualifications 5+ years of experience leading training in a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment, or in a similar role training operators, technicians, and semi‑skilled labor. Demonstrated ability to assess training needs, build training plans, and execute them on a production floor across multiple shifts. Strong leadership and team management abilities, with the proven ability to inspire, develop, and hold a team of trainers and floor coaches accountable. Project management skills for managing training initiatives, rollouts, and timelines across multiple departments. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels - from production floor employees to senior management. Strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills, with a focus on achieving organizational goals through effective training and workforce development. Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other training technology platforms; experience with POKA is strongly preferred. Working knowledge of structured on‑the‑job training (OJT), job instruction methods, adult learning principles, and competency‑based qualification programs. Strong working knowledge of plant safety requirements (OSHA, lockout/tagout, PPE), and a solid understanding of quality and GMP expectations in a regulated manufacturing environment. Required Skills Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field (Industrial Technology, Education, Organizational Development, Human Resources, Manufacturing/Engineering, or similar). Equivalent vocational/technical experience will be considered. Certification in training, instructional design, or workplace learning (e.g., CPLP/CPTD, Train the‑Trainer, ATD certifications). Experience in plastics, extrusion, packaging, food‑contact, or other regulated manufacturing environments. Experience supporting ISO 9001, SQF, or similar quality/food safety management systems. Bilingual English/Spanish a plus. Preferred Skills Hands‑on understanding of manufacturing operations, machine setup, and production workflows sufficient to coach and qualify operators and technicians. Proficiency administering Learning Management Systems for tracking, assignments, and reporting (POKA preferred). Skilled in developing work instructions, SOPs, job breakdowns, and visual job aids. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic video/e‑learning content tools. Note Please note that we are not currently engaging with third‑party staffing or recruitment agencies. We kindly request that agencies refrain from submitting unsolicited candidate resumes or partnership inquiries. #J-18808-Ljbffr All American Poly