Operations Training Manager

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Training & Workforce Development Manager to lead the next phase of our manufacturing training transformation. This role will be responsible for developing and executing a world-class training organization that supports employee growth from onboarding through advanced technical mastery and leadership development.

The ideal candidate will drive training standardization, workforce capability development, competency-based learning, cross-training initiatives, certification programs, and workforce readiness across multiple manufacturing sites. This individual will partner closely with Operations, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and Leadership teams to build a scalable workforce development system that supports operational excellence, employee engagement, and company growth.

Key Responsibilities

Training Strategy & Workforce Development

• Lead the development and execution of the company's workforce training and development strategy
• Build structured learning pathways from entry-level onboarding through advanced technical and leadership development
• Align training initiatives with operational, quality, safety, and business objectives
• Establish standardized training frameworks across manufacturing operations
• Drive continuous improvement of training systems, content, and delivery methods

Training Operations & Program Management

• Manage training coordinators and training resources supporting manufacturing operations
• Oversee onboarding, functional skills training, technical development, compliance training, and leadership programs
• Ensure consistent execution of training standards across departments and facilities
• Coordinate training priorities in partnership with operations leaders
• Support deployment of hands-on learning initiatives and training center activities

Onboarding & Employee Development

• Maintain and enhance structured onboarding programs including:
  • New Hire Orientation
  • First Day and Week One Programs
  • 30-60-90 Day Development Plans
  • Competency Evaluations
  • Progress Reviews and Follow-Ups
• Improve new hire readiness, retention, and time-to-productivity
• Establish clear development plans for manufacturing employees at all levels

Competency Management & Training Matrix Administration

• Lead development and maintenance of enterprise-wide training matrix systems
• Track employee skills, qualifications, certifications, equipment authorizations, and cross-training progress
• Provide visibility into workforce readiness, capability gaps, and succession risks
• Develop workforce capability dashboards and reporting tools
• Support strategic workforce planning through training data and analytics

Standardization & Documentation

• Oversee standardization and governance of:
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Work Instructions (WIs)
  • Standard Work Documentation
  • Competency Validation Forms
• Ensure documents support effective training and knowledge transfer
• Partner with department leaders to maintain accurate and current training materials
• Strengthen version control, ownership, and training integration processes

Cross-Training & Organizational Readiness

• Develop and implement company-wide cross-training programs
• Create departmental cross-training maps and rotational development plans
• Reduce dependency on critical personnel through knowledge transfer initiatives
• Drive workforce flexibility and operational resilience
• Monitor and report department readiness and skill coverage levels

Compliance & Certification Programs

• Oversee certification and recertification programs for manufacturing and safety-related activities
• Manage training requirements for equipment operation, material handling, safety systems, and department-specific certifications
• Ensure training compliance documentation and recordkeeping requirements are maintained
• Partner with Safety and Operations teams to support regulatory and company requirements

Training Analytics & Performance Metrics

• Develop and maintain executive-level training dashboards and reporting systems
• Track and analyze:
  • Training Completion Rates
  • Competency Progression
  • Certification Compliance
  • Cross-Training Participation
  • Onboarding Effectiveness
  • Time-to-Proficiency
  • Workforce Readiness
  • Training ROI
• Use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives

Cross-Site Alignment & Leadership Partnership

• Drive training alignment and standardization across multiple manufacturing facilities
• Facilitate sharing of best practices between sites and departments
• Partner with operational leaders to identify capability gaps and workforce development opportunities
• Support leadership development initiatives and succession planning efforts
• Serve as a key advisor to leadership on workforce capability and training strategy

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Business, Manufacturing, or related field preferred
• 7+ years of experience in training, workforce development, organizational development, manufacturing operations, or related field
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing training programs or teams
• Experience building structured training systems within a manufacturing, industrial, or operational environment
• Strong understanding of competency-based training, workforce development, and adult learning principles
• Experience developing training matrices, certification programs, and employee development pathways
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive change
• Strong analytical skills with experience utilizing training metrics and reporting tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Power BI, and Learning Management Systems (preferred)
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills