What are the responsibilities and job description for the Training Specialist position at SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc?
Training Specialist
Position Description
Are you proud to be a part of something? Do you have the determination to provide quality work? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? Are you ready to be a part of a team?
SMP Automotive System Alabama Inc. develops and manufactures plastic parts and highly integrated modules for the automotive industry. They company is a member of the Motherson Group, one of the 22 largest automotive suppliers worldwide. We invite you to view some of our products at: www.smp-automotive.com/en.
SMP is a unique company that solicits and values employee contributions and involvement and invests in employee development in preparation for the challenges of the automotive supply industry. For prospective team members who possess values, are passionate about what they do and want to truly make a difference, joining our company can be a life-changing opportunity.
We are looking for a talented Training Specialist to join our growing team. A Training Specialist is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of training and development programs within a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment. This role ensures that all training initiatives enhance employee capabilities, close skill gaps across departments, and support overall plant performance and strategic business objectives. The position oversees both the delivery and administration of training activities, conducts comprehensive needs analyses, and develops annual training plans that address technical, operational, and professional skill requirements. Additionally, the Training Specialist manages and advances the employee development system in alignment with performance evaluations and skills matrices, while monitoring key performance indicators to ensure training effectiveness, compliance, and continuous organizational growth.
What you will be responsible for:
- Identify training needs for all departments through performance reviews, skill matrices, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and consultations with managers, instructors, or customer representatives
- Based on identified needs, propose and integrate training actions into the annual training plan.
- Prioritize training needs for budget preparation and execution.
- Upon budget approval, conduct detailed planning of training activities.
- Design, plan, and deliver training programs covering technical, operational and soft skills.
- Use varied instructional methods such as role-playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, and lectures.
- Obtain, organize, and develop training materials including manuals, guides, course handouts, and e-learning modules.
- Select and assign qualified instructors to effectively close training needs.
- Schedule classes considering team member, classroom, equipment, and instructor availability.
- Organize and manage internal (own delivery or SMEs) and external (Training suppliers) training sessions; ensure timely invitations to participants and supervisors.
- Reserve training courses in accordance with the SMP AL procurement process.
- Manage and maintain in-house training facilities and equipment.
- Track, monitor, and control continuing training activities according to the annual plan.
- Verify and record training effectiveness, including participant reactions, learning outcomes, and application of knowledge.
- Develop alternative training methods when improvement goals are not met.
- Maintain updated training records, including attendance, performance, and KPI tracking (e.g., training hours per employee, positive feedback ratio, number of offered vs attended training sessions).
- Manage the skill matrices for all indirect SMP team members.
- Implement and track the Motherson policies acknowledgement and training for all the SMP team members.
- Maintain training records and effectiveness evaluations in databases; generate performance reports in Excel and Power BI.
- Follow the SMP procurement process for training session set-up, it includes and it is not limited to Bid comparison, RAS and PR generation.
- Develop, design and post e-learning modules on the LMS for internal training needs.
- Deliver created and already developed internal training courses, accommodating different shifts needs.
- Manage the TMS, LMS and ECDM system.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
What will you bring to the table (Skills/Experience Required):
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Communication, Business, Administration or related field.
- Minimum two years of experience in HR training and development required.
- Strong understanding of principles and methods for curriculum design and instructional training.
- Proficiency in teaching and facilitating learning for individuals and groups, including measuring training effectiveness.
- Knowledge of IATF 16949 and VDA 6.3 training requirements.
- Understanding of production processes (Injection Molding, Paint Shop, Exterior and Interior Assembly).
- Familiarity with customer service principles, including needs assessment, quality standards, and satisfaction evaluation.
- Proven work experience as a Trainer, preferably within a Tier 1 automotive company.
- Demonstrated ability to organize, plan, and prioritize work effectively.
- Knowledge of adult learning theories and instructional design models.
- Excellent communication and knowledge transfer abilities.
- Strong active listening skills, with the ability to fully understand and respond appropriately.
- Skilled in written expression to convey ideas clearly and effectively.
- Effective speaking and presentation skills.
- Service-oriented mindset with a proactive approach to assisting others.
- Problem-solving skills to identify issues, analyze information, develop options, and implement solutions.
- Advanced competency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) and Power BI (required).
- Capability to design competency-based training programs and skill gap analysis tools.
- Skilled in learning management systems (LMS) and SCORM content development tools such as Articulate or Adobe Captivate (minimum requirement).
- Ability to manage digital training content and productivity software efficiently.
- Ability to effectively process data to make decisions.
- English language skills
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Necessary Attributes:
Must possess our Core Values: Passion for Excellence, Accountability, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork and Integrity
What will you enjoy from working with us?
- 120 hours of PTO and 32 hours of unplanned PTO (sick) time per year
- 11 paid Holidays
- 401k with company match (100% on 1st 3% and 50% in 4-5%)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical & Prescription Plans (Pick from 2 plans)
- Delta Dental (Pick from 2 plans)
- Ameritas Vision
- Voluntary Life Insurance Policies for Team Member & Family
- 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance Policy for Team Member
- 100% Employer Paid Short Term Disability
- 100% Employer Paid Long Term Disability
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Legal Plan
- Paid Volunteer Time (Charity)
- ADP LifeMart Discounts for Team Members
- EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
- Safety Shoe Allotment
- Prescription Safety Glasses Allotment
- Team Wear Allotment
- Recognition for your hard work and achievements!
- Opportunity for new challenges! We are growing!
- Paid training
If you can demonstrate your extraordinary successes in the areas above, then we would love to hear from you! Please gather your resume, along with a summary of your successes referencing the questions above and apply at www.smp-automotive.com/en.
Offers are contingent upon passing all background and drug screen.