Manager of Training, Qualifications and Continuous Improvement

Shearer's is a leading contract manufacturer and private label supplier in the snack industry in North America. Headquartered in Massillon, Ohio, Shearer's has 17 state-of-the-art, geographically diverse manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, Minnesota, Pennsylvania,  Virginia, Iowa, Ontario and Alberta, Canada, including one of the industry's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum LEED certified facilities in Massillon, Ohio. The Company is known for producing the highest quality snacks in assorted flavors and sizes, including kettle cooked potato chips, traditional potato chips, tortilla chips, cheese curls and other extruded snacks, and corn chips, as well as cookies, crackers, and wafers.

Manager of Training, Qualifications and Continuous Improvement

Location: Bristol, Virginia 

Are you ready to take on a key leadership role in transforming operational processes within the food manufacturing industry? Do you have a passion for driving excellence and innovation in the production of snacks? If so, we want you as our Manager of Training, Qualifications and Continuous Improvement!

Summary of Role

This leadership role is pivotal in driving Shearer’s Operational Process (SHOP) and Lean Manufacturing initiatives. The Manager of Training, Qualifications, and Continuous Improvement will lead efforts to eliminate losses due to skill gaps, enhance team member capabilities, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across the plant. The role combines strategic training development with hands-on execution of Lean methodologies to improve performance, engagement, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement training and qualifications strategies aligned with business goals and loss elimination.
• Lead the creation and execution of training materials using the T&Q Training Development Process.
• Establish and manage skill matrices, certification systems, and administrative processes across the plant.
• Build and lead pillar teams to support SHOP and Zero Loss initiatives.
• Drive Lean/CI initiatives including Kaizen, 5S, FIT, and other associate engagement programs.
• Analyze performance data and KPIs to assess and improve training and CI effectiveness.
• Lead capital improvement and engineering initiatives tied to continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with plant leadership and corporate CI resources to align strategies and share best practices.
• Qualify trainers and facilitate knowledge transfer across teams and pillars.
• Support enterprise-wide training programs and organizational priorities.

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Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field (preferred).
• 5–10 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, preferably in consumer packaged goods or food production.
• Practical experience in training design, facilitation, and adult learning theory.
• Strong understanding of Lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and related applications.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule to support a 24/7 operation.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Influence: Courageous leadership, ability to inspire and engage teams, lead change initiatives.
• Operational Excellence: Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, labor, and materials.
• People Development: Value diversity, foster teamwork, develop organizational talent.
• Communication: Foster open communication, adapt style for different audiences.
• Strategic Thinking: Assess complex systems, think beyond the plan, build customer value.
• Integrity & Ethics: Uphold high standards, act with urgency and intensity.

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Why Join Shearer’s?

Be part of a values-driven culture focused on respect, teamwork, and community.

Make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, non-bureaucratic environment.

Work with a leading private equity-backed company committed to growth and innovation.

We Offer a Feast of Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Flexible Spending Account, Retirement Savings Plan with Match, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Group Critical Accident Insurance, Group Critical Illness Insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and numerous opportunities to volunteer in the communities in which we operate.

You will be considered for employment in our inclusive workplace

Because at Shearer’s, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This is your invitation to apply now!

Note: Shearer’s does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to any recruiting alias or employee. Shearer’s is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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