Training Manager

Location: Waterloo, IA
Compensation: $80,000–$100,000 annually + bonus
Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time | Onsite
Benefits: Full Benefits
Relocation Assistance: Not Available

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Training Manager to lead company-wide onboarding, employee development, technical skills training, and compliance training at a manufacturing operation in Waterloo, Iowa.

The Training Manager will partner with leaders across the organization to develop effective training programs for employees at all levels and across multiple departments. This position will be responsible for ensuring new and existing employees receive the skills, safety, compliance, and job-specific training necessary to perform their roles safely and effectively.

This is a hands-on training position that requires the ability to work directly with employees in both office and production environments. Training for production employees may include blueprint and specification reading, assembly procedures, hand-held MIG welding techniques, equipment operation, and workplace safety.

Candidates must currently live within a reasonable commuting distance of Waterloo, Iowa. Candidates throughout the Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque corridor and surrounding communities will be considered. Relocation assistance is not available.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate new-hire onboarding schedules and role-specific training plans in partnership with department leaders.
• Deliver structured onboarding and job-specific training across multiple departments and shifts.
• Design and deliver ongoing employee skills and development programs.
• Provide and coordinate hands-on technical training for production employees, including manufacturing procedures, equipment use, assembly processes, blueprint/specification reading, and related skills.
• Administer skills assessments and evaluate employee readiness through testing and hands-on observation.
• Develop and maintain company-wide safety and compliance training, including OSHA requirements, PPE, overhead crane operation, hazard identification, and other required programs.
• Maintain accurate training records, employee certifications, renewal schedules, and compliance documentation.
• Coordinate training associated with new equipment, tooling, systems, and process changes.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, employee observation, performance metrics, and feedback.
• Develop and maintain training materials, SOPs, job aids, checklists, and e-learning content.
• Partner with engineering, operations, safety, HR, and other departments to identify training needs and address skill gaps.
• Promote safe work practices and identify potential safety, health, and operational hazards.
• Ensure training programs support quality workmanship, employee development, regulatory compliance, and operational performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Business, or a related field is required.
• 3–5+ years of experience in Training & Development, Learning & Development, or a closely related training role.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and delivering employee training programs.
• Experience providing training across multiple departments, functions, or employee groups.
• Ability to develop and deliver hands-on technical training.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations, workplace safety, and compliance training.
• Experience maintaining training records, certifications, and compliance documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to evaluate employee performance and training effectiveness.
• Strong problem-analysis and problem-resolution skills.
• Ability to work effectively with employees across different experience levels and shifts.
• Basic understanding of shop math and the ability to read blueprints, specifications, and procedures.
• Manufacturing training experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience with welding, metal fabrication, assembly, industrial equipment, or similar manufacturing processes is a plus.

This is an onsite position in Waterloo, Iowa. Local/commutable candidates only.