Continuous Improvement & Training Specialist

The Continuous Improvement & Training Specialist will be responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving training programs that enhance the skills, knowledge, and performance of employees in a manufacturing or plant environment. This role partners closely with Operations leadership and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to identify training needs, standardize processes, and ensure training content aligns with operational goals, safety requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Specialist will coordinate, deliver, monitor, document, evaluate, and report on all training activities to support operational excellence and workforce development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

•Work cross-functionally with Process Technicians and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop, validate, and sustain job task analyses, ensuring documentation is current and standardized in the Redzone Playbook.

•Ensure instructor materials are available, accessible, up to date, and align with work processes, SOPs, certification standards, and other operational standards.

•Train and certify OJT instructors (current employees) to ensure they are well equipped to train new hires and those in a new role or learning new skills.

•Coordinate with hiring managers and HR to match new hires with OJT instructors.

•Monitor and share OJT metrics and reports. Evaluate the effectiveness of OJT program, adjusting as necessary to meet objectives.

Needs Assessment

•Partner with the corporate Learning & Development team to align on training strategy, identify gaps, and support roll out and adoption of company-wide training initiatives.

•Assess additional training needs through collaboration with department heads, supervisors, and management at the plant.

•Work with safety, quality, and compliance teams to ensure training programs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

•Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and advancements to continuously improve training programs.

Training Facilitation

•Serve as an administrator of the Learning Management System (Alchemy) for the plant, maintaining course and learning path assignments, troubleshooting login issues, and reporting on monthly training.

•Facilitate training sessions using a variety of instructional techniques, ensuring engagement and comprehension.

•Perform and maintain necessary training in critical areas, such as onboarding, safety, equipment operation, new policy rollouts, and soft skills development.

•Provide one-on-one coaching and support to employees as needed to reinforce training concepts.

•Train and coach supervisors to develop their management and leadership skills.

Training Materials and Reporting

•Create or revise training materials, manuals, job aids, and documentation to support training programs.

•Maintain accurate records of training attendance, performance, and outcomes. Share with management regarding monthly training completions.

Note: The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position

Skills and Work Experience Requirements:

•3 to 5 years of experience in manufacturing setting required.

•Computer proficient, MS Office, MS PowerPoint, SharePoint, MS Word, MS Excel, use of tablet computer, experience with LMS technologies (Alchemy experience a plus).

•Advanced organizational skills with ability to handle multiple assignments and effective communication skills.

•Proven work experience as a training coordinator, trainer, training facilitator. Familiarity with traditional and modern job training methods and techniques.

•Experience in production environment, familiarity with machine operation and the processes of chocolate manufacturing (a plus, but not necessary), warehousing, and shipping.

Education:

•Bachelor’s degree preferred in Organizational Development, Education, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.

•Lean training required (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, Six Sigma Yellow/Green Belt or equivalent).

•Experience developing and delivering training programs in a manufacturing or plant environment.

•Certification in structured OJT approach preferred.

Blommer Chocolate Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.