What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Training position at The Wenger Group?
Who are we: We're a leading Northeast family-owned food, agricultural products, and agricultural services organization headquartered in Pennsylvania. We provide animal nutrition and feeds; specialty protein production, processing, and marketing; on-farm protein production services; and grain, fertilizer, and ingredient procurement. We're a stable company with strong core values, great benefits, competitive wage structure, and a safe and healthy work environment. With over 850 team members, we're a growing company in an essential sector - agriculture! Learn more here: https://www.thewengergroup.com What your day looks like:The Director of Training is responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive training strategy that elevates the knowledge, skills, and performance of team members across Wenger Feeds Animal Nutrition. This role leads the development of technical, operational, safety, leadership, and compliance-based training that supports organizational capability, employee development, customer service excellence, and operational efficiency.The Director partners closely with Operations, Nutrition Services, Safety, Quality, HR, and Leadership to ensure consistent, high-quality learning programs across all sites and functions.Training Strategy & Leadership Develop and execute a multi-year holistic training strategy supporting WFAN operational and technical excellence. Build and maintain the Wenger Feeds Training Program, including curriculum design, training pathways, assessments, and certification and tech level frameworks. Lead analysis of skill gaps, workforce capability needs, and emerging training requirements. Oversee the creation and deployment of digital learning modules, classroom curriculum, hands-on learning labs, and blended learning solutions. Evaluate training effectiveness using metrics (performance results, learner feedback, productivity, quality , safety outcomes). Program Development Direct the development of training content related to feed milling, animal nutrition fundamentals, quality standards, safety, equipment operation, regulatory requirements, and process execution. In collaboration with Quality and Nutrition, s upport and expand the use of the Wenger Animal Nutrition Academy (WANA) as a key internal learning platform. Ensure consistent training delivery models across all WFAN sites including onboarding, technical upskilling, leadership development, and cross-training. Program Delivery & On Site Training Conduct hands-on, on site training at mills, production sites, and operational areas across Wenger Feeds Animal Nutrition. Train plant employees firsthand on equipment operation, SOPs, safety practices, quality standards, and production processes. Participate directly in plant environments to demonstrate procedures, verify learning, and support on-the-job skill transfer. Ensure translation of classroom or digital learning into effective, real-world performance through on-site training, coaching, and follow-up. Maintain a strong presence across WFAN facilities to stay connected to operations and frontline needs. Team Development & Talent Management Lead, coach, and develop training staff, site trainers, and subject matter experts. Establish standards for training documentation, trainer certification, and training record management. Partner with HR on talent development initiatives, succession planning, and career progression pathways within WFAN. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Operations, Nutrition Services, Fleet, Safety, HR, and Quality teams to ensure training supports organizational priorities. Collaborate with site leadership to ensure local training needs, equipment-specific training, and compliance requirements are met. Maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including equipment suppliers, industry experts, and regulatory bodies. Compliance & Safety Ensure training programs meet all regulatory, feed safety, and quality standards. Oversee training documentation for audits, certifications, and regulatory inspections. Partner with Safety to deliver and track safety training initiatives across WFAN. Other Duties Manage training budget , training technologies, and learning systems. Support organizational change management initiatives through structured training plans. Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission of Wenger Feeds Animal Nutrition Who you are:Education & Experience Relevant experience or Bachelor's degree in Animal Science , Agricultural Education, Organizational Development, Training & Development, or related field. 7 years of feed mill experience or designing and delivering training programs in manufacturing, agriculture, feed milling, or animal nutrition settings. Experience leading training teams or enterprise-wide L&D programs preferred . Experience with learning systems, curriculum design, and adult learning principles preferred . Knowledge & Skills Strong understanding of feed manufacturing processes, quality systems, and animal nutrition fundamentals (poultry/swine/dairy preferred). Excellent facilitation, communication, and instructional design skills. Ability to influence and collaborate with all levels of the organization. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and learning management systems. Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate training effectiveness. Physical Requirements Ability to work in feed mill environments including dusty conditions, high places, confined spaces, and varying temperatures as needed for training evaluations. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs on occasion. Travel required between WFAN locations (estimated 25-40%).