Production Trainer

Description

Position Summary 

The Production Trainer is responsible for the design, coordination, delivery, and continuous improvement of training programs for production and warehouse workers. This role ensures employees are properly trained, qualified, and compliant with company standards, safe work practices, and regulatory requirements. The position combines strategic leadership with hands-on field support to build and maintain a high-performing, safety-focused workforce.

Training Program Development

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve training programs for operators, technicians, maintenance personnel, and other plant staff. 
• Lead and support on-the-job training (OJT) processes to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety requirements, and operational standards. 
• Create and maintain training matrices, qualification timelines, progression plans, and competency frameworks for plant roles in conjunction with department managers. 
• Standardize training materials and delivery methods across shifts and departments. 
• Identify workforce capability gaps and recommend targeted development plans.

Training Delivery & Support

• Deliver hands-on training covering equipment operation, technical procedures, safe work practices, and emergency response. 
• Conduct skills demonstrations, proficiency assessments, and qualification evaluations for employees. 
• Support employee onboarding and orientation, including field expectations, PPE requirements, plant workflows, and basic operating procedures. 
• Provide ongoing coaching and support to employees as they progress through qualification levels. 
• Observe work practices in the field and provide feedback to improve employee performance and training effectiveness.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure training programs meet applicable regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Assist with or lead training on critical safety programs such as lockout/tagout, confined space entry, hot work, line breaking, hazard communication, and chemical handling. 
• Partner with Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) and Production leadership to update training in response to incidents, audits, or procedural changes. 
• Support readiness for audits, customer visits, and regulatory inspections related to training and workforce competencies.

Documentation & Learning Management

• Maintain accurate training records, qualification documents, sign-in sheets, competency assessments, and progression logs within designated tracking system(s). 
• Assist with updating SOPs, work instructions, job aids, and visual guides. 
• Ensure timely and accurate communication of training progress, concerns, or gaps to supervisors and management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with Production, Warehouse, EHS, and leadership teams to identify training needs and align development efforts with company goals. 
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to workforce development, operational performance, and training effectiveness. 
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

 Education & Experience 

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required. 
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

 Required Skills/Abilities 

• 10-15+ years of experience in chemical manufacturing, petrochemical, refinery, industrial manufacturing, or similar environment. 
• Experience in training, mentoring, coaching, or leading operators preferred. 
• Experience as an operator, in a chemical industrial environment is required.
• Strong knowledge of industrial operations, chemical processing systems, equipment, and safe work practices. 
• Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements and training documentation standards. 
• Ability to deliver effective hands-on training in high-hazard or industrial environments. 
• Strong communication, organization, coaching, and documentation skills. 
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority.