Continuous Improvement Training Team Manager

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Training Team Manager leads the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of training programs that support operational excellence and workforce capability in a lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. This role partners with cross-functional leaders to identify skill gaps, develop impactful learning solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Lean principles. The manager ensures training programs reinforce safety, quality, and efficiency while supporting business objectives. Additionally, this role integrates training into onboarding and employee development processes while promoting alignment with the PECNA Way System. Through strong leadership and data-driven insights, the manager drives measurable improvements in workforce capability and operational performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Industrial Engineering, Organizational Development, Business, Operations Management, or a related field
• Relevant work experience may substitute for required education
• 5+ years of progressive continuous improvement leadership experience in a high-performance manufacturing, technical operations environment, or equivalent translatable experience
• Demonstrated experience leading the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of workforce training programs in a manufacturing or technical environment
• Demonstrated experience applying Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement methodologies, including training, coaching, and implementation in operational environments
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and motivate teams in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and solve complex operational and training-related issues
• Skilled in developing standardized work and translating processes into effective training materials, including job breakdown sheets
• Experience using performance metrics and KPIs to evaluate training effectiveness and drive operational improvements
• Strong writing and documentation skills, including development of training materials, reports, and standard operating procedures
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills across multiple levels of the organization
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and/or other digital tools for training delivery and tracking
• Experience leading cross-functional collaboration and facilitating structured problem-solving
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Must have working-level proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Education, Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, or related field
• Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP)
• Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD – ATD)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Train-the-Trainer certification (e.g., TWI Job Instruction)
• 7+ years of continuous improvement leadership experience in battery, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing environments
• Experience designing and deploying structured training programs in highly regulated or technical manufacturing environments (e.g., automotive, aerospace, electronics, battery)
• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital training tools (e.g., Articulate, Adobe Captivate, or similar)
• Experience using data analysis and reporting to evaluate training effectiveness and drive operational performance improvements
• Exposure to ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other quality management systems
• Experience supporting new production line ramp-up, product launches, or operational scale-up efforts
• Bilingual or multilingual capabilities (especially Japanese or Spanish) to support a diverse workforce
• Demonstrated success leading change management or culture transformation initiatives related to continuous improvement and workforce development
• Experience developing or implementing blended learning solutions (e.g., e-learning, on-the-job training, simulations)

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, coordination, and delivery of training programs, including instructor-led sessions, job aids, and structured learning experiences
• Manage training operations to ensure alignment with manufacturing KPIs, workforce readiness, and production demands
• Oversee training schedules, resources, and systems to ensure effective and efficient program execution
• Oversee and, as needed, facilitate training sessions, workshops, and learning events to ensure high-quality participant experiences
• Identify current and future training needs through job analysis, performance evaluations, and business planning
• Implement Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance training effectiveness and production efficiency
• Evaluate training programs using metrics, feedback, and performance outcomes to drive ongoing improvements
• Stay current on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in training and development
• Lead, coach, and develop training team members to build instructional capability and subject matter expertise
• Develop standardized work and translate processes into effective training materials such as job breakdown sheets
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and professional development
• Support onboarding and ongoing employee development through structured training pathways
• Partner with production, engineering, quality, and HR teams to align training programs with operational goals
• Collaborate with department leaders to identify skill gaps and implement targeted training programs
• Engage external training providers and educational institutions to enhance training resources and capabilities
• Participate in management meetings and provide updates on training performance, goals, and initiatives
• Champion a “Safety First” culture and ensure all training programs reinforce safe work practices and compliance requirements
• Ensure training supports quality standards and adherence to company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Utilize company resources to sustain safe manufacturing and operational excellence
• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives through training and technical guidance
• Lead and manage a team of training professionals, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and development
• Occasional travel may be required to support training initiatives, benchmarking, or external partnerships

Benefits

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees