Learning & Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

​Location: Ontario
Employment Type: Salaried
Shift:
Work Arrangement: Onsite 

Position Summary:

The purpose of the Training Lead is to own the on‑the‑job training (OJT) experience for new hires and cross‑training employees. The Training Lead does not deliver training directly; instead, they coach, develop, and hold accountable Certified Trainers to ensure a consistent, high‑quality training experience. They are responsible for the effective utilization and accuracy of the OJT system and the digital skills matrix for their area. The Training Lead partners with the Area Manager, Supervisor, and Process Lead to strengthen workforce capability, document Standard Work, and build area bench strength.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coaches, develops, and provides performance feedback to Certified Trainers to ensure they deliver a consistent, high‑quality onboarding and cross‑training experience. Responsible for facilitating the Certified Trainer course for area and others as needed. 
• Owns the OJT experience by ensuring Certified Trainers and Line Leads follow standard training practices and consistently use the OJT system (Poka) to document and execute training.
• Maintains and monitors the digital skills matrix, identifies skills and capacity gaps, and recommends solutions to the Area Manager and Supervisor.
• Ensures all training activity is accurately captured in the OJT system and digital skills matrix; provides regular reporting on new‑hire progress, cross‑training status, and skill readiness.
• Collaborates with the Process Lead to document, update, and deploy Standard Work, ensuring training materials remain accurate and aligned with current processes. and deploys the documentation in partnership with the Training Coordinator.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Experience Requirements:

• Demonstrated training capability and great communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Demonstrated some expertise in at least one area of the manufacturing process.
• Demonstrated capability of technical proficiency (Microsoft Suite, Windows operating system, etc).
• Minimum: 2-3 years of relevant experience in a training, operations, or supervisory role, ideally within the same or a similar industry. This experience should include exposure to On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs and familiarity with tools and systems for documenting and tracking training.
• Preferred: 4-5 years of experience in a training or lead role within operations or manufacturing.
• Experience specifically with cross-training, skills gap analysis, or implementing training documentation would be valuable.

Education Requirements:

• Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent. This level of education can be sufficient, especially if paired with strong experience in training or operational roles.
• Preferred: Some college coursework, an associate degree, or a relevant certification in training, operations, or workforce development. For example, a certification in workplace training or an industry-recognized credential could indicate added knowledge and credibility.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Must possess strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Must be highly organized, self-motivated, and possess the ability to work in a rapidly-changing environment.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization, including plant Supervisors and Managers.
• Employee must model the company Core Values of Integrity, Customer Focus, Teamwork, and Personal Ownership, and possess a work history that demonstrates these values.
• Must be a trusted advisor to the organizational levels with whom he/she serves.
• Effective problem-solving, innovation, and communication skills will lead to success in this role.
• This role will often be in a position to present information, and must be capable of positively influencing others in the organization.

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:​

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees​
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)​
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays​
• Employee Appreciation Events​ and Employee Assistance Programs
• Salary Base Range of $81,454.00 - $103,915.35*

*The “base salary range” provided above is a good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position in the specified markets.  Ventura Foods reserves the right to pay outside of the given range based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: candidate skills and experience, complexity of the job, budgetary factors, and location/geography. Ventura Foods conducts regular reviews of compensation ranges and therefore reserves the right to alter this range at any given time.  

Physical Demands:
All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.  Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required.  Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:

Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day.   Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required.  Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements.  In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

• Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
• Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
• Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values.  We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.