Technical Training Coordinator (Can Plant)
About the role
Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum beverage cans for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas, and non-carbonated beverages using state-of-the-art can-making technology. The Technical Training Coordinator works directly under the Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist to build, deliver, and sustain standardized technical training programs across our high-speed aluminum beverage can manufacturing facility. This role bridges the gap between process strategy and shop-floor execution, driving operational excellence, equipment efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety.
Responsibilities
- Standardized Work & Program Execution (Supporting CI Strategy)
- Collaborate with the Continuous Improvement Specialist and process owners to create, update, and sustain position-specific training plans (new hire, annual, and refresher training) across all line operations.
- Partner with the CI Specialist to update and document training guides: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), One Point Lessons (OPLs), and assist with plant-wide management system standardization.
- Help shape and execute new and existing training strategies designed by the CI Specialist and plant leadership.
- Hands-On Technical Training & Delivery
- Provide technical, hands-on training to shop-floor teams on the operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of aluminum can manufacturing machinery and systems.
- Coach employees on equipment manufacturer instructions, safety procedures, and proper machine tooling and hand tool usage.
- Deliver Leadership Courses (Beginner to Advanced) to foster diversity and inclusion and inspire teams through Cultural Leadership.
- Educate teams on core Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., DMAIC, PDCA, 6S, root cause analysis, FMEA, and Kaizen) under the direction of the CI Specialist.
- Present, educate, train, and facilitate both virtual and in-person workshops at all levels and to external audiences.
- Skills Gap Analysis & Post-Audit Reviews
- Assist the CI Specialist in conducting individual and team skills gap analyses to identify performance trends and training needs.
- Gather feedback from management, employees, and other departments on the effectiveness of completed training courses and materials to drive continuous improvement.
- Participate in quarterly post-training and post-audit reviews led by the CI Specialist, updating training modules based on audit findings and process maturity assessments.
- Quality, Safety & Problem Solving
- Support the resolution of quality deficiencies identified by the Quality and CI teams by delivering targeted retraining modules to line operators.
- Participate in daily plant problem-solving activities and join cross-functional improvement project teams led by the CI Specialist.
- Ensure all training activities rigorously enforce safe work practices, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) compliance, and chemical/environmental safety standards.
- Administrative
- Collect and log data regarding employee knowledge retention, workflow procedures, and concept application.
- Manage logistics for training events, including scheduling and resource allocation.
- Recommend training materials and methods, order in-house training equipment, and manage the training budget.
- Market company training opportunities to employees and provide information on benefits to encourage participation (internal and external).
- Attend seminars/workshops to learn new training methods and techniques, applying this knowledge to prepare and coordinate future training sessions (Train the Trainer).
- Assist the CI Specialist in developing and delivering Training Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the site.
Requirements
- Education & Experience
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent (required).
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing or heavy process environment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience working with machines, power tools, hand tools, and general tooling.
- Practical understanding of lean manufacturing concepts, standardized work, and root cause problem-solving techniques.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively train, present to, and collaborate with team members from diverse backgrounds.
- Self-starter capable of working under minimal supervision, adapting to changing schedules, and taking ownership to resolve plant challenges.
- Ability to navigate computer-based systems, enter and track data (SAP experience is a plus), and utilize learning/document management software.
- Willingness and proven ability to be critically available (on-call/after-hours) to respond to urgent plant-level operational issues.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt).
- Experience specifically within the aluminum or steel packaging/can manufacturing industry.
- Lean Six Sigma certification or formal training in process improvement methodologies.
- Experience with managing technical training processes.
- Skills & Aptitudes
- Aptitude in spatial reasoning, attention to detail, and skilled craftsmanship.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience working with machines and general tooling.
- Skilled in hand and power tool usage.
- Knowledge of SAP and inventory management (a plus).
- Ability to operate heavy machinery and follow proper safety procedures.
- Proactive and takes ownership to resolve problems and issues.
- Ability to work with employees from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, with a commitment to housekeeping standards.
- Ability to plan and execute major tasks and participate in meetings across all teams.
- Demonstrates and initiates safe work practices.
- Self-starter capable of self-supervision and willing to accept a variety of assignments.
- Ability to identify and implement process improvements or efficiencies leading to cost reductions.
- Strives to enhance the overall knowledge and performance level of self and others.
- Demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem-solving play a critical role.
- Software/Computer Skills
- General knowledge of basic computer operations, including accessing information and entering data.
Environmental & Physical Factors
- Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility with daily contact with other departmental personnel.
- Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, and in dusty or clean environments.
- Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards.
- May be required to work outside or in an un-air-conditioned warehouse when handling surplus and scrap materials.
- Continuous use of vision, hearing, and speech.
- Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and occasional bending.
- Will lift, carry, pull/push, and reach for supplies, occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Requires climbing stairs, ladders, and moving objects; manual dexterity and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices, power tools, and machining equipment.
- Must wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.
Schedule
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Schedule may vary depending on plant operational needs, including long days, occasional evenings, and weekends. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position. Position may require travel to meetings, conferences, workshops, or other facilities.