Senior Distribution Health & Safety Trainer

As part of the Health & Safety Team, the Senior Distribution Forklift Trainer is responsible for delivering effective, compliant powered industrial truck (PIT) training to ensure operators are competent, confident, and safety focused. This role provides classroom instruction, hands‑on practical training, and performance evaluations in accordance with OSHA standards, company policies, and site‑specific hazards. Additionally, this role supports operational excellence by reducing incidents, improving operator proficiency, and reinforcing a strong safety culture. The Senior Forklift Trainer works closely with supervision and operations leadership across the U.S. Distribution Center locations to assess training needs, address skill gaps, and support new hire onboarding, refresher training, and remedial coaching. Responsibilities Become a subject matter expert in assigned area(s) of responsibility. Develop, maintain, and train to standard work processes for each job in assigned area(s). Coordinate new‑hire training plan for forklift operators with area leaders to ensure timely and accurate training. Ensure effective instructional design for forklift training blending OSHA compliance requirements with classroom theory, hands‑on practice, and rigorous performance evaluation. Incorporate advanced learning techniques so operators can apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace hazards. Ensure all training guides, materials, videos, job aids and other communication means are readily available and in active use. Support and validate compliance with federal, state, and local laws for the distribution center and maintain, promote and exceed safety standards. Maintain a database of all standard work process training materials. Train and certify workers to operate powered industrial trucks or vehicles (e.g., cherry pickers, reach forklifts, sit‑down/stand‑up forklifts, clamp trucks, scissor lifts). Maintain a site‑wide electronic database of forklift job training status and levels for all operators. Ensure all worker training documents are properly completed, filed and stored. Complete job‑specific forklift training and assessments on a frequent and ongoing basis for new hires and experienced operators. Conduct employee surveys, interviews, and observations to determine the effectiveness of training provided. Conduct observations and audits to determine adherence to defined safety protocols in forklift operations. Review forklift operator performance with operations management and devise a plan to address under‑performing associates, including additional observations, further training, and regular checkpoints. Consult with trainers, management and leadership regarding forklift operator training needs in the area and facility‑wide. Conduct group‑wide training on revisions to processes or procedures ensuring all referenced documents align to the latest revision. Communicate forklift operator training needs, plans and schedules to leadership on a frequent and ongoing basis. Create forklift training strategies, initiatives and materials as needed. Assist with implementing programs to drive a culture of safety at the location. Share knowledge and industry trends and best practices that can be leveraged across all distribution centers. Deliver, monitor, coach and guide technical and non‑technical training for Distribution Center supervision and associates related to powered industrial trucks. Provide feedback, facilitate discussions, and make recommendations for associate and supervisor developmental needs related to powered industrial trucks. Stay up‑to‑date on the latest trends in new forklift technology. Qualifications and Experience Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Proficient in operating and training others on powered industrial trucks (Raymond and Jungheinrich preferred). Minimum 3‑5+ years forklift trainer experience preferred. Forklift Train‑the‑Trainer certification required. Proficient computer skills, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) and instructional software. Strict adherence to safety policies and procedures. Encouraging to team and staff; able to mentor and lead. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Experience providing training in distribution or manufacturing environments. OSHA 30 or OSHA 10 certification a plus. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees. Ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions. Detail oriented. Desirable: WMS and Oracle experience. Job environment: warehouse setting; incumbent will walk, occasionally sit, kneel, crouch and lift up to 40lbs; moderate‑to‑high noise level. Must be flexible to work varying schedules, hours and overtime as needed. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. #J-18808-Ljbffr