Manufacturing Training Instructor | ACA

AFL•Duncan, SC

About The Position

The Manufacturing Training Instructor is part of AFL’s manufacturing operations and designs, develops, coordinates, conducts, and manages training programs that support operational and Lean knowledge growth and initiatives. The role requires learning the plant’s manufacturing processes and applying strong interpersonal, computer, administrative, organizational, and communication skills. The instructor partners with operational leaders, engineering, HR, EHS, and other internal stakeholders to maintain certification and training systems, improve Lean processes, develop training materials, support onboarding, and evaluate training effectiveness and its impact on employee skills and KPIs. The position involves work both on the shop floor and in an office, may require off-shift training support, and may involve occasional overnight travel.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 3 years of technical writing or documentation experience.
Previous background in manufacturing training.
Demonstrated Lean and/or Six Sigma background related to continuous operational improvement.
Proven work experience coordinating multiple training events in a corporate or manufacturing setting.
Extensive knowledge of instructional design theory and implementation.
Adequate knowledge of learning management systems and web delivery tools.
Ability to complete the full training cycle: assess needs, plan, develop, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate.
Familiarity with traditional and modern training methods and techniques.
Proficiency with MS Office applications.
Emotional intelligence and ability to work with different personality types.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Initiative and ability to work independently and manage one’s own work.
Integrity and ethical conduct.
Advanced organizational skills and ability to handle multiple assignments.
Coaching and facilitation skills.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or technical degree.
Experience using multiple training delivery methods, including in-person, web-based, and hybrid.
Cable manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

Lead, teach, and coach Lean principles, including SMED, 5S, and Practical Problem Solving.
Coordinate with engineering to review and update Certifications and Job Instructions (JI).
Provide JI and JM training for JI and JM lead teams.
Assess educational needs and gaps, map training plans, and design, develop, and deliver programs using appropriate methods for the subject and audience.
Assess and report instructional effectiveness and business impact.
Partner with internal stakeholders and subject matter experts on instructional design.
Maintain the plant’s JI trainer certification network by working with leaders to define criteria and designate process trainers.
Work with plant management on Lean Development and Lean-oriented processes to improve efficiency and standardize work.
Develop individual certification timelines with trainees and monitor their progress, including whether trainers are providing adequate time and effort.
Identify and remove obstacles to on-time completion of certifications.
Conduct training in qualified areas and facilitate training and coaching sessions as needed.
Meet routinely with process trainers and leaders to review trainee progress and develop follow-up action plans.
Summarize instructional evaluation reports to determine training’s impact on employee skills and KPIs.
Maintain the certification documentation system.
Improve certification and training processes by identifying inefficiencies, eliminating redundancies, and streamlining paperwork across processes and production lines.
Partner with operational leaders to generate Lean ideas and solutions.
Develop and display visual indicators of metrics and KPIs.
Initiate compensation increases when certification criteria are met for full-time and temporary associates.
Partner with EHS, shipping, and receiving to maintain personnel licensing and safety requirements for forklifts and lifting and handling equipment.
Use video equipment and video editing software to create training materials for internal customers.
Coordinate with HR to complete pre- and post-hiring onboarding activities.
Facilitate train-the-trainer sessions and mentor certified trainers to support effective on-the-job training.
Perform other tasks as assigned by the Training Manager.