Manufacturing Training Specialist

About the role

Trystar is seeking a Manufacturing Training Specialist based at our Faribault, Minnesota facility. Reporting to the Quality Manager, this role will develop, coordinate, and deliver manufacturing training programs that support safety, quality, productivity, and employee development. You will partner closely with Operations, Human Resources, Quality, and Production Leadership to ensure team members are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources required to succeed and grow within the organization.

Our guiding principles and values include: Safety, Integrity, Customer focus, Right with speed, Play for each other, Champion change, and Enjoy the journey.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate onboarding and manufacturing training programs for new and existing team members.
• Assess training needs across manufacturing departments and develop structured learning paths that support operational excellence.
• Work with outside vendors to create training materials, work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and visual job aids.
• Update and maintain materials, instructions, SOPs, and job aids as needed.
• Partner with production supervisors, subject matter experts, Quality, and Safety teams to ensure training content remains accurate and effective.
• Track and maintain training records, certifications, qualifications, and skills matrices to ensure compliance and workforce readiness.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through observation, assessments, feedback, and performance metrics, making improvements as needed.
• Support cross-training initiatives and workforce development programs to increase flexibility, productivity, and employee growth opportunities.
• Assist with employee onboarding activities and ensure new team members are successfully integrated into operational and company culture expectations.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying skill gaps and recommending solutions that improve performance, quality, and safety outcomes.
• Serve as a training resource for employees and leaders while promoting a positive learning culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturing, training, workforce development, operations, or a related field.
• Experience facilitating training programs in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to present information effectively to individuals and groups with varying levels of experience.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Experience creating training materials, work instructions, and employee development resources.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Ability to analyze training effectiveness and maintain detailed training documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to spend time on the manufacturing floor supporting and coaching employees.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred.

Skills

• Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Train-the-Trainer certification or adult learning experience.
• Experience developing skills matrices, qualification programs, and career progression pathways.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, or operational excellence initiatives.
• Experience supporting onboarding, employee engagement, and workforce development programs.
• Familiarity with ISO, quality systems, or manufacturing compliance training requirements.

Additional Information

This position is primarily onsite in a manufacturing environment at our Faribault, MN headquarters, which is partially solar and wind powered by our own microgrid. The role may require up to 10% travel and the ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds while moving throughout production areas.