Manufacturing Training Supervisor

AFL•Duncan, SC

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $3B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity. The Manufacturing Training Supervisor leads the design, execution, and continuous improvement of training programs across multiple manufacturing sites. This role is responsible for directly managing a team of Manufacturing Training Instructors, driving training strategy for 1,000+ operators, and ensuring alignment with operational, quality, and digital transformation initiatives. The Supervisor owns training system effectiveness (QMS, LMS, MES-integrated training), ensures ISO compliance, and partners cross-functionally to improve workforce capability, standard work adherence, and operational performance. This role plays a key leadership function in scaling training globally and enabling major system deployments (e.g., PLEX, Squint).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Training, Quality, or related field
7+ years of experience in manufacturing training, operations, or related field
3+ years of people leadership experience (direct reports required)
Proven experience managing training programs at scale across multiple sites
Strong background in instructional design, facilitation, and workforce development
Experience supporting or leading digital training systems (LMS, QMS, MES)
Ability to translate complex processes into operator-focused training and standard work
Strong data analysis and KPI management capability
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, )

Nice To Haves

Experience with PLEX, EtQ, Squint, or similar platforms
Bilingual (Spanish)
Background in Lean / Continuous Improvement methodologies
Master’s, Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Organizational Development, or related field

Responsibilities

Directly supervise, coach, and develop a team of Manufacturing Training Instructors (7+)
Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and accountability for training execution and outcomes
Conduct regular performance reviews, capability assessments, and succession planning for training staff
Drive standardization of instructional practices across shifts, lines, and sites
Ensure adequate instructor coverage aligned to production demand and growth
Scale training systems to support 1,000+ operators across multiple locations
Translate business needs into structured training plans aligned to operational KPIs (TTT, FPY, RFT, etc.)
Oversee onboarding, certification, and ongoing operator development frameworks
Ensure consistency and integrity of standard work through training delivery
Collaborate with and provide mentorship to several Training Coordinators
Partner with Operations, Quality, HR, Engineering, and IT to identify and close skill gaps
Serve as the primary training leader for global site support and deployment alignment
Lead training readiness for new product introductions, process changes, and plant expansions
Support international sites with training systems, content, and best practices
Drive adoption of digital training tools (e.g., LMS, QMS, MES, Squint)
Lead transformation of standard work into visual, operator-centric training content
Oversee development of scalable, repeatable training tied to system workflows (PLEX transactions, etc.)
Ensure training supports system proficiency, not just documentation compliance
Own training compliance with ISO and internal quality standards
Lead certified trainer audit and surveillance programs
Ensure accurate certification tracking, documentation, and audit readiness
Evaluate training effectiveness using KPIs and implement corrective actions
Establish and track training KPIs and scorecards across sites
Analyze trends in certification, performance, and training effectiveness
Drive continuous improvement by eliminating inefficiencies and standardizing processes