Operations Training Manager

At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Operations Training Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining training programs that strengthen operational capability across the facility. This role ensures team members are trained to meet safety, quality, efficiency, and compliance standards while supporting continuous improvement and workforce development initiatives. The Operations Training Manager partners closely with Operations, HR, Quality, EHS, and Engineering to build a structured, consistent learning framework that supports performance and talent growth.

DIRECT REPORTS

• Training Coordinators
• Training Specialists

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

Training Program Development & Execution

• Build, deliver, and continuously improve operations training programs, including onboarding, skills certification, equipment operation, safety, and compliance.
• Develop standardized training materials, SOP-based learning modules, and hands-on skill assessments.
• Maintain training documentation, records, and compliance with internal and regulatory requirements.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with Operations leadership to identify skill gaps and implement targeted training to improve productivity, quality, and safety.
• Leverage lean, six sigma, and adult learning principles to optimize training efficiency and effectiveness.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, ensuring training supports sustained performance gains.

Leadership & Team Coordination

• Lead, coach, and develop training staff, supporting their growth in instructional design, facilitation, and technical capability.
• Partner with Supervisors and Managers to support operator development, cross-training strategies, and workforce planning.

Training System Management

• Oversee Learning Management System (LMS) accuracy, utilization, and compliance tracking.
• Develop and monitor training KPIs, including certification rates, training cycle times, and skill progression metrics.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with Quality, Safety, HR, Product Development, and Engineering to integrate new procedures, equipment, and processes into training curricula.
• Support new product introductions and process changes through structured training and readiness planning.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare reports, maintain training metrics, and support audits.
• Manage training budgets, schedules, and resource allocation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc.), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Industrial Engineering, Education/Training, or related field
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing or operations environment
• Experience developing and delivering training programs in a production setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design

Preferred:

• Training or Instructional Design Certifications (e.g., ATD, CPTD, Training Within Industry)
• Lean/Six Sigma certification
• Experience with LMS administration

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, safety requirements, and quality systems
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop structured training programs and assess skill competency
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence without direct authority

The salary range for this role is $100,000 – $120,000(Annually).  Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is a participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.