Operations Training & Competency Specialist

Synthomer•Mogadore, OH

About The Position

The Operations Translation & Competency Assurance Specialist connects plant-floor execution with formal documentation in chemical manufacturing operations. The role emphasizes on-the-floor auditing to ensure written procedures accurately reflect field processes. Working with operators and engineering, the specialist validates procedural accuracy and builds a Competency Assurance Framework in which operators master a defined Body of Knowledge (BoK) and pass a practical Demonstration of Skill to verify proficiency and safety compliance. The specialist develops qualification tracks that combine theoretical knowledge with objective, hands-on assessments, oversees operator certification, aligns competency materials with regulatory and site safety requirements, and maintains qualification records in the Learning Management System (LMS).

Requirements

3–5 years of experience in instructional design, technical auditing, or operations training in a chemical plant, refinery, or heavy industrial environment.
Proven experience developing Competency Assurance Models that combine theoretical knowledge with structured practical performance evaluations.
Experience conducting field audits and job task analyses, and translating complex physical tasks into measurable performance standards.
Deep familiarity with OSHA 1910.119 (PSM), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and Job Safety Analyses (JSA).
Ability to walk the plant floor, climb stairs and ladders, and wear required PPE, including a respirator, steel-toed boots, and safety glasses.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Safety, Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), Organizational Development, or a closely related technical discipline.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or technical certification combined with 7+ years of direct chemical plant operations or heavy industrial training experience may be accepted in lieu of a four-year degree.
Certified Professional in Training and Performance (CPTP), Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or specialized OSHA/PSM certifications.

Responsibilities

Audit live manufacturing-floor processes to verify that written SOPs accurately reflect line execution and identify gaps between documentation and actual practice.
Work with the Document Control/SOP Manager to provide field-verified updates to master documentation for complex chemical workflows.
Define the Body of Knowledge for each operational role, including required technical concepts, chemical hazards, equipment mechanics, and safety regulations.
Develop standardized practical testing protocols and rubrics requiring operators to demonstrate skills under operational scenarios.
Build structured qualification tracks integrating the Body of Knowledge and Demonstration of Skill, guiding operators from novice to certified status.
Administer or oversee practical assessments and certify operators after they demonstrate theoretical knowledge and physical proficiency.
Align competency tracks, Body of Knowledge components, and training materials with OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM), EPA, and site safety standards.
Maintain and update site qualification matrices in the Learning Management System to support regulatory audit readiness.

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 learning and development offers.
Employee assistance program, mental health resources, and wellbeing initiatives.
Retirement or pension contributions, with plans varying by country.
Culture of inclusion.
Global reward and recognition programmes.