Manufacturing Training Lead

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Training Lead is responsible for leading, developing, and continuously improving training programs that build workforce capability across the manufacturing site. Working within a regulated medical device manufacturing environment, this role partners closely with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Continuous Improvement teams to ensure employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to perform their work safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality and regulatory requirements.

The Manufacturing Training Lead serves as a subject matter expert for manufacturing learning and development, driving employee readiness, trainer effectiveness, and workforce flexibility through innovative training solutions, coaching, and capability-building initiatives. This role directly contributes to employee success, product quality, operational excellence, and business performance.

Why This Role Matters

You will play a critical role in developing a skilled, engaged, and quality-focused workforce by ensuring employees receive effective training and development throughout their manufacturing careers. Your work will directly impact employee performance, product quality, compliance, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Job Responsibilities

Training Program Development & Delivery

• Lead the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing training programs aligned with production, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Create engaging learning experiences through classroom instruction, hands-on training, visual work instructions, instructional videos, and other adult learning methodologies.
• Translate manufacturing specifications, engineering drawings, work instructions, and standard operating procedures into effective training materials that support employee understanding and performance.
• Develop and maintain a library of approved training materials, photos, videos, and visual training aids while ensuring proper document control and version management.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure training content accurately reflects current manufacturing processes and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with business leaders to establish and maintain structured training pathways for new hires, transfers, and cross-trained associates.
• Support onboarding programs that accelerate employee readiness and effectiveness in manufacturing roles.

Train-the-Trainer Program Leadership

• Own and continuously improve the site's Train-the-Trainer certification program.
• Develop, coach, and certify production trainers and subject matter experts across manufacturing processes and product families.
• Establish trainer qualification standards and ensure trainers maintain certification requirements.
• Evaluate trainer effectiveness through observation, feedback, and performance metrics.
• Partner with manufacturing leadership to strengthen training delivery, employee engagement, and learning outcomes.

Workforce Capability & Operational Excellence

• Analyze training effectiveness using employee feedback, performance metrics, quality trends, and operational results.
• Identify workforce capability gaps and implement targeted development strategies to improve employee performance and readiness.
• Lead the development and maintenance of skills matrices and cross-training programs to improve workforce flexibility and business continuity.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to training effectiveness, employee development, quality, safety, and productivity.
• Partner with site leadership to support succession planning, workforce development, and long-term capability-building strategies.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development throughout the manufacturing organization.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support cross-functional projects and strategic workforce initiatives.
• Participate in audits and training-related compliance activities as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of site and departmental objectives.

Education & Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Education, Organizational Development, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturing training, workforce development, learning and development, operations support, quality systems, or related functions.
• Experience developing and delivering training programs in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Education, Organizational Development, Industrial Engineering, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience in medical device manufacturing or another highly regulated industry.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) or training management systems.
• Experience creating instructional videos, visual work instructions, and multimedia training materials.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Experience developing skills matrices, competency assessments, and cross-training programs.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.
• Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Six Sigma experience.
• Prior experience in coaching, mentoring, trainer certification, or Train-the-Trainer programs.

Work Authorization Requirements

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Knowledge & Skills

Basic Qualifications

• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively engage learners in both classroom and hands-on training environments.
• Strong training, coaching, and content development skills.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing operations, quality systems, and workplace safety requirements.
• Ability to analyze data and assess training effectiveness using performance and quality metrics.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and project coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to read, write, interpret, and understand technical documentation written in English.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and utilize manufacturing measuring devices and tools.
• Ability to work flexible hours in support of multiple shifts and training schedules.

Preferred Skills

• Learning & Development
• Adult Learning Principles
• Workforce Development
• Instructional Design
• Competency Management
• Training Effectiveness Measurement
• Employee Development
• Cross-Training Programs
• Facilitation and Coaching
• Continuous Improvement
• Lean Manufacturing
• Change Management