Lead Training Specialist

Synthomer•Jefferson Hills, PA

About The Position

The Lead Training Specialist coordinates, develops, delivers, and tracks employee training programs to meet compliance, qualification, and development requirements. The role maintains training plans, materials, procedures, records, qualification matrices, job qualification logs, and Learning Management System data to support audit readiness and employee development. The specialist assesses training effectiveness using assessments, audits, KPIs, and compliance metrics, and recommends and implements improvements. Responsibilities include onboarding and orientation, assigning and tracking computer-based training, facilitating train-the-trainer programs, coaching internal trainers and leaders, and leading site training and safety culture initiatives. The role partners with HR, Operations, Safety, managers, supervisors, and leadership to identify training needs and deliver programs through classroom, on-the-job, coaching, and digital methods. The position also supports internal, customer, and regulatory audits; prepares training reports and status updates; coordinates employee bid processes as assigned; and undertakes other duties and special projects as needed. The specialist must maintain knowledge of operational processes, products, and regulatory requirements and be able to work in a manufacturing environment, including on the plant floor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Safety, Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), Organizational Development, or a closely related technical discipline; alternatively, a high school diploma or technical certification combined with 10+ years of direct chemical plant operations or heavy industrial training experience may be accepted in lieu of a four-year degree.
Strong training facilitation, coaching, and presentation skills, including the ability to deliver engaging learning experiences virtually and in person.
Ability to develop and implement competency-based training and qualification programs, including performance assessments and practical skill evaluations.
Strong knowledge of regulatory and safety requirements, including PSM, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and training compliance standards.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work across organizational levels and influence diverse stakeholders.
Professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, accountability, and a customer-focused approach.
Strong organizational, analytical, and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and translate complex operational tasks into effective training solutions.
Experience conducting field observations, audits, and job task analyses to identify training needs and performance-improvement opportunities.
Self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to work flexible hours as needed to support training initiatives and operational requirements.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and audiovisual training technology.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including walking the plant floor, climbing stairs or ladders, and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Nice To Haves

Certified Professional in Training and Performance (CPTP), Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or specialized OSHA/PSM certifications are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, deliver, and track employee training programs to meet compliance, qualification, and development requirements.
Develop and maintain annual training plans, training materials, procedures, and related documentation.
Monitor training effectiveness through assessments, audits, KPIs, and compliance metrics; recommend and implement improvements.
Maintain accurate training records, qualification matrices, job qualification logs, and Learning Management System (LMS) data to support audit readiness.
Conduct new-hire orientation, onboarding training, and contractor orientations, and review probationary employee progress.
Assign and track computer-based training and ensure required certifications and retraining activities are completed.
Partner with managers and supervisors to identify training needs and support employee development initiatives.
Facilitate train-the-trainer programs and coach internal subject matter experts, supervisors, and leaders on training processes.
Lead site training and safety culture initiatives to promote employee engagement, compliance, and performance.
Prepare and communicate training reports, compliance metrics, and program status updates to leadership.
Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits related to training and qualification requirements.
Maintain current knowledge of operational processes, products, and regulatory requirements to ensure effective training programs.
Coordinate and administer employee bid processes as assigned.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support business needs.
Partner with HR, Operations, Safety, and Leadership teams to identify training needs and ensure compliance requirements are met.
Plan, develop, and deliver training using classroom, on-the-job, coaching, and digital methods.

Benefits

Competitive, market-aligned compensation.
Discretionary global bonus scheme.
Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) for senior positions.
Company car or car allowance, varying by region and role.
Healthcare tailored to regional locations.
Parental leave and family support, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave aligned with regional policies.
Working flexibility where appropriate, based on role and business needs.
Learning and development opportunities, including training, online platforms, buddy and mentorship programs, and Internal Synthomer University.
Employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, and wellbeing initiatives.
Retirement or pension contributions, with plans varying by country.
Culture of inclusion.
Global reward and recognition programmes.