Manufacturing Training Manager

Polaris•Huntsville, MN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role leads the development, implementation, and governance of manufacturing training programs to build workforce capability and support safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives across manufacturing operations. The position partners closely with Operations, Lean, Quality, Human Resources, Engineering, and site leadership teams to establish standardized training systems, certification programs, and workforce development strategies. The role drives consistency in training processes, manages training technologies and reporting, and supports workforce flexibility through skills development initiatives. It also provides guidance to site training leaders and supports organizational readiness for new products and process changes. This is an opportunity to influence workforce performance and capability across multiple manufacturing locations through strategic training leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in training & development, Education, Human Resources, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in manufacturing, operations, training, or workforce development.
Experience developing and delivering technical training programs.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and operational excellence principles.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience administering Learning Management Systems (LMS) preferred.
Experience leading certification, qualification, or skills matrix programs preferred.
Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design preferred.
Multi-site manufacturing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a manufacturing training strategy aligned with business objectives and operational priorities.
Establish and govern training standards, policies, systems, and processes across manufacturing locations.
Identify workforce skill gaps and implement development plans to address current and future capability needs.
Develop and maintain training curricula, work instructions, training matrices, competency assessments, and related training content.
Ensure training programs reflect current manufacturing processes, quality standards, safety requirements, and Lean Manufacturing principles.
Manage operator certification and qualification programs, including assessment criteria and certification standards.
Design and coordinate cross-training, multi-skill development, and train-the-trainer programs to enhance workforce flexibility.
Administer training systems and learning management tools while ensuring data integrity and consistency across platforms.
Develop and monitor training metrics, dashboards, and reporting to evaluate training effectiveness and employee proficiency.
Partner with plant leadership, supervisors, Human Resources, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and Operations teams to support training initiatives and organizational objectives.
Support new product introductions and process changes through effective training planning and deployment.
Provide coaching, guidance, and support to site training leaders to promote consistent training practices.