Operations Training Manager

Description

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the Operations training strategy, ensuring alignment with evolving business needs, production scaling requirements, workforce planning initiatives, and regulatory expectations.
• Partner with Learning & Development (L&D) and Safety on instructional design, content development, LMS
  configuration, training delivery, and record management, while retaining ownership of Operations training requirements,
  curricula, certification standards, milestones, and readiness criteria.
• Develop, implement, and maintain structured, role-based onboarding and qualification programs, including defined certification milestones (e.g., 90-day benchmarks), early performance feedback mechanisms, and formal readiness handoffs.
• Oversee and standardize instructor-led, on-the-job training (OJT), blended, and electronic training delivery models to ensure consistency, documentation integrity, measurable skill attainment, and scalability.
• Ensure effective operational execution of training programs, including scheduling, deployment, qualification tracking, and real-time support to Operations.
• Assess training and onboarding effectiveness through structured observation, performance metrics, and feedback loops; drive curriculum redesign and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen skill attainment, consistency, and operational readiness.
• Evaluate and incorporate emerging training methodologies, technologies, and tools in partnership with L&D to enhance learning effectiveness, scalability, and employee experience.
• Collaborate with Operations leadership to prioritize department-specific training needs.
• Audit training content to ensure alignment with approved procedures, work instructions, safety requirements, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), company learning standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Lead, develop, and performance-manage Operations Trainers.
• Conduct performance evaluations and implement corrective development plans when necessary.
• Strengthen trainer capability through coaching, structured feedback, and professional development planning.

• Govern qualification standards, cross-training pathways, and certification criteria for the Flex Operator Program.
• Maintain skill matrix visibility to support operational flexibility and succession planning.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and implement structural improvements.

• Identify training gaps arising from deviations, CAPAs, audits, change controls, and performance trends. Design and implement targeted training interventions to mitigate compliance risk and close documented process gaps.

• Analyze training data to identify trends and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide leadership reporting on workforce qualification status, certification progress, and overall training effectiveness.
• Align training strategy with operational performance metrics and business outcomes.

• Promote a culture of accountability, compliance, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Directly supervise Operations Trainers and the Flex Operators.
• Set performance expectations and enforce accountability standards.
• Reinforce organizational values and professional conduct standards.

WHAT YOU NEED

• 5+ years in FDA-, ISO-, or cGMP-regulated manufacturing. 
• 3–5+ years leading or designing structured training programs.
• Experience leading teams, managing performance, and supporting employee development.
• Deliver assigned objectives within established timelines, ensuring quality, accuracy, and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Collaborate effectively with executives, senior leaders, and cross-functional partners to achieve shared business objectives. 
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and engage others in a positive, professional, and solution-oriented manner.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, tailoring messaging to diverse audiences.
• Document, analyze, and present information in a structured, concise, and professional format.
• Identify risks, issues, and process gaps proactively and escalate concerns in a timely and constructive manner.
• Maintain strong attention to detail and ensure work products meet regulatory, quality, and organizational standards.
• Operate independently with sound judgment, requiring minimal direction while maintaining accountability for results.

• Familiarity in Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Familiarity with documentation management systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement effective, sustainable solutions to improve training effectiveness and operational outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience managing training systems within regulated environments.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Safety, and leadership teams.
• OSHA certification preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of cGMP requirements, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and regulated manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of regulated manufacturing training requirements and inspection readiness expectations.

• Drives Innovation and Change – Creates new and novel ideas and processes and translates those into clear and actionable strategy, specific objectives, and action plans. Generates alternatives and assesses benefits and risks. Allocates resources and makes critical choices to execute strategy.
• Takes accountability and drives performance – Consistently delivers on commitments. Demonstrates ownership of results within and beyond one’s responsibility. Sets clear and high expectations and holds self and others accountable for decisions and results.
• Builds teamwork and engages others – Creates a unified and seamless team and fosters energy, excitement, and personal investment in others. Encourages information sharing and collaboration. Removes barriers and eliminates non-value-added work.
• Communicates directly – Shares opinions, thoughts, and facts openly with clarity, transparency, honesty, and balance. Seeks multiple perspectives and listens openly to other points of view. Enables and demonstrates the courage to speak up on issues and risks as well as good news.
• Develops self and others – Continuously builds a high-performing diverse team to achieve objectives. Develops self and others to improve performance in current role and to prepare for future roles. Provides frequent feedback and coaching to others to improve performance. Recognizes and celebrates success.
• Sets the example – Demonstrates principled leadership and sound business ethics; promotes the Company’s Mission and Values and demonstrates consistency among principles, values, and behaviors. Promotes resilience and perseverance. Creates an environment that promotes balance between professional and personal life.
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive organizational alignment.
• Strong analytical capability with data-driven decision-making skills.
• Effective communicator capable of translating technical requirements into clear training standards.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Company- paid life insurance
• 401k plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Monthly allowance of Thorne supplements
• Paid time off, volunteer time off and holiday leave
• Training, professional development, and career growth opportunities