New Hire Trainer Cook 2nd

About the Company

Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has made a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. Our purpose and promise of Great Food, Made Simple® drives us. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We proudly serve a broad portfolio of great-tasting, high-quality products sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Our wide array of national customers includes prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr., and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth, it now has annual sales of approximately $1 billion. The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and its headquarters in Tyler, Texas.

Job Summary

The New Hire Trainer is responsible for onboarding and training newly hired production employees to ensure they are properly introduced to the facility, understand job expectations, and are equipped to perform their duties safely and effectively. This role plays a critical part in creating a welcoming environment while reinforcing company standards related to safety, quality, and productivity. The New Hire Trainer works closely with supervisors, HR, and production teams to support employee integration and retention.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet employees on their first day and ensure a positive onboarding experience
• Conduct facility tours and introduce new employees to supervisors, team leads, and plant management
• Complete all required onboarding documentation, including the New Hire In-Plant Orientation form, and ensure it is properly submitted to Human Resources
• Issue personal protective equipment (PPE) and demonstrate the correct usage while emphasizing safety protocols
• Provide detailed instruction on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and ensure new employees understand food safety and quality expectations
• Introduce employees to their co-workers on the production line and provide hands-on training by demonstrating job tasks and working alongside employees
• Follow established work hardening protocols, including rotating employees during the first two to four weeks to reduce fatigue and prevent injuries, and coordinating weekly nurse visits during this period
• Support employees during breaks and meal periods by guiding them through facility processes such as using the breakroom and micro market
• Promote a positive and welcoming environment by using encouragement, positive reinforcement, and professional communication at all times
• Answer employee questions, provide continuous guidance, and build rapport with new hires to support engagement and retention
• Regularly rotate among new hires on the production floor to monitor progress and provide coaching
• Provide daily updates on employee progress to supervisors and management
• Mentor new employees during their first several weeks
• Monitor progress and provide constructive feedback
• Identify employees needing additional coaching or retraining
• Communicate trainee progress to supervisors and HR
• Help improve new hire retention through positive engagement

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Ability to perform or possess detailed knowledge of all positions on the production line
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to train, coach, and motivate employees in a fast-paced environment
• Patience, professionalism, and the ability to engage effectively with a diverse workforce
• Basic understanding of food safety principles, including GMPs
• Ability to provide clear instructions and reinforce proper work techniques and safety practices

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in training, onboarding, or leadership within a manufacturing or food processing environment
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are highly preferred to effectively communicate with the workforce

Work Environment

This position operates within a food manufacturing environment and involves exposure to both hot and cold temperatures, wet conditions, and production equipment. The role requires compliance with all company safety policies, food safety standards, and PPE requirements.

Physical Demands

The position requires standing and walking for extended periods of time, as well as frequent movement throughout the production floor. The employee must be able to demonstrate job tasks, assist employees with proper techniques, and perform repetitive motions as required in a manufacturing environment.

Work Location

This position is on-site in Gainesville, Georgia. The candidate must be able to reliably commute or relocate prior to starting employment.

Benefits

• Vacation / Sick days
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
• Telemedicine
• Onsite Clinic
• Free annual health screening
• 401(k) with company match
• STD and LTD
• Life insurance & other voluntary benefits
• Career Development: We support professional growth through continuous learning and development opportunities