Equipment Training Specialist (Material Handling Equipment)

Bertelsmann-Jobs • Louisville, KY

11h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Equipment Training Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the organization's Material Handling Equipment (MHE) operator training program. This role ensures employees are trained, evaluated, and certified to safely operate powered industrial trucks and other material handling equipment in compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements. The specialist will maintain training records, conduct follow-up evaluations, support continuous improvement of the MHE program, and partner with Louisville facilities to ensure consistent training and compliance standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience operating powered industrial trucks and other material handling equipment.
• Previous experience delivering technical or safety-related training.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA Powered Industrial Truck standards and safe operating practices.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and coaching skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate documentation and records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic learning or recordkeeping systems.
• Ability to travel between Louisville-area facilities.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing training programs and instructional materials.
• Train-the-Trainer certification or similar instructional certification.
• Experience in warehouse, manufacturing, or distribution operations.
• Knowledge of Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Safety Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the company's Material Handling Equipment (MHE) operator training and certification program.
• Deliver classroom and hands-on equipment training for new and existing employees.
• Evaluate operator competency through practical driving assessments and written examinations.
• Issue operator certifications and maintain accurate certification records and documentation.
• Schedule and conduct refresher training, recertification, and remedial training as required.
• Perform follow-up audits and ride-along observations of newly certified operators to verify safe operating practices.
• Maintain training records, compliance documentation, and certification databases.
• Ensure training programs comply with OSHA regulations, company policies, and industry best practices.
• Support the overall MHE safety program by identifying trends, recommending improvements, and assisting with incident investigations involving powered industrial equipment.
• Develop and update training materials, operating procedures, and standard work instructions.
• Certify and mentor facility-based equipment trainers to ensure consistency in training delivery.
• Conduct periodic audits of trainer performance, certification processes, and facility compliance with MHE training requirements.
• Partner with site leadership, Operations, Safety, and Human Resources to coordinate training schedules and maintain operator compliance.
• Travel to Louisville-area facilities to provide training, conduct audits, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Track program metrics, training completion rates, audit findings, and compliance status, providing regular reports to leadership.
• Promote a culture of safety through coaching, mentoring, and positive reinforcement of safe equipment operation.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Disability Pay.
• 401(k) with company matching up to 6%.
• Paid Time Off, including paid holidays.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Voluntary benefits such as legal and financial assistance, pet insurance, and more.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Ongoing employee development opportunities including tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and training.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee engagement activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED