Training Manager

About the Role

Reporting to the Technical Manager, the Training Manager leads employee training and workforce development programs for a unionized pulp and paper manufacturing facility. This role partners with operations, maintenance, safety, quality, and environmental teams to build the skills needed for safe, efficient performance. The position oversees technical skills training, compliance requirements, qualification programs, and hourly training records while supporting operational excellence, employee engagement, and a strong safety culture.

Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities

Training Strategy and Program Management

• Develop and execute the facility's training strategy to align with the mill's needs, workforce needs, safety standards, and labor agreement requirements where applicable.
• Continuously improve comprehensive training programs for hourly employees.
• Manage the facility training matrix and qualification systems to ensure employees maintain required certifications and competencies.
• Establish annual training plans, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Identify skill gaps and implement targeted development plans to improve workforce proficiency.
• Own the learning management system for the mill.
• Develop and oversee development of technical training materials.

New Employee Onboarding and Qualification

• Participate in the onboarding process for new hires, including orientation, safety training, and job-specific qualification programs.
• Ensure training programs support successful employee integration into the workforce while maintaining compliance with contractual requirements.
• Monitor employee progress and recommend interventions where additional support or development is needed.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Partner with Safety and Environmental teams to ensure compliance with all OSHA, EPA, DOT, company, and industry-specific training requirements.
• Maintain training records and documentation required for regulatory audits and inspections.
• Coordinate annual compliance and refresher training programs.
• Support incident investigations by identifying training-related opportunities and corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement

• Utilize data and performance metrics to assess training program efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead initiatives to improve workforce capability, qualification timelines, and training and learning efficiency.
• Benchmark best practices within manufacturing and the pulp and paper industry.
• Support operational excellence, lean manufacturing, reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Expand team members' skills and engagement to support future initiatives such as operator basic care, lead positions, troubleshooting skills, etc.

Minimum Occupational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, organizational development, industrial technology, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Operational experience in a heavy manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive training, learning and development, operations, or workforce development experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience working in a unionized manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and workforce development practices.
• Experience administering training systems and maintaining training records.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Learning Management Systems.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Ability to work a weekend duty rotation and off hours as needs demand.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout their employment. The Company does not sponsor employment visas for this position.