Training Specialist

job purpose:  

The Training Specialist is an individual contributor who turns operational knowledge into repeatable technical training and demonstrated qualification. Reporting to the Site Training Manager, this role designs technical curricula and content for assigned areas, facilitates complex training and onboarding as needed, coaches and certifies Certified Trainers, maintains trusted qualification evidence, and leads area-level training rollouts. Success is measured through workforce readiness, time to proficiency, training quality, and reliable skills data.  

responsibilities:  

• Partner with area supervisors, leads, SMEs, and operators to define role requirements, qualification criteria, and performance expectations; translate operational needs into training solutions and raise priorities/tradeoffs to the Site Training Manager.  

• Support new hires, cross-trainers, and Certified Trainers from onboarding through qualification and recertification; build and adjust area training plans, monitoring progress and escalating readiness concerns.  

• Conduct needs and skill-gap assessments using skills-matrix data, operational performance, and floor observation to guide training priorities.  

• Design and develop role-based curricula, SOPs, job aids, assessments, and hands-on practice using sound instructional design and fairlife quality standards; capture SME knowledge and route approvals.  

• Observe, coach, certify, and recertify Certified Trainers; execute the site’s Certified Trainer program, including selection support, observation cadence, and documented feedback.  

• Track qualification progress and completion records, ensuring accurate skills data and evidence are submitted; own gap closure for assigned areas.  

• Partner with area leadership to deliver training, verify performance evidence, and confirm qualification before sign-off; use skills data to recommend cross-training priorities and coordinate delivery.  

• Maintain technical depth in at least one area, refreshing content as equipment/processes change; evaluate training effectiveness through observed performance, time-to-proficiency, and quality data, revising as needed.  

• Lead area-level training workstreams for capital projects, equipment/process changes, and new products—planning backward from go-live, managing risks and dependencies, and coordinating technical/OEM training.  

• Maintain and report training metrics to the Site Training Manager and leadership; participate in cross-site Specialist Meetings; publish and maintain content in shared systems; escalate blockers through proper channels; perform other related duties as assigned.  

skills/qualifications required:  

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, education, training, operations, engineering, or a related discipline—or an equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing/technical training experience.  

• Strong written, verbal, and facilitation skills; able to translate technical information for operators, technicians, SMEs, supervisors, and leaders.  

• Proven ability to lead area-level projects independently—planning backward from deadlines, managing dependencies and risks, and communicating status early.  

• Demonstrated follow-through, sound judgment, and attention to detail, with willingness to surface problems early and adapt plans as conditions change.  

• Ability to analyze qualification, skills-matrix, and learner/operational performance data to drive clear training actions.  

• Ability to flex the work schedule to observe, coach, and facilitate training across all shifts, including occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends.  

• Ability to work safely in office, classroom, and manufacturing-floor environments while following GMP, PPE, Food Safety, Quality, and site safety requirements.  

• Working knowledge of adult learning, instructional design, and competency-based training principles; able to build role-based learning paths and technical content with objectives, practice, and assessments.  

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint; LMS and digital authoring experience (e.g., Cornerstone, Articulate 360, video editing, connected-worker platforms) preferred and may be developed post-hire.  

• Demonstrated technical credibility in at least one manufacturing domain (e.g., processing, packaging, quality, maintenance, warehouse) with experience coaching or training others; food, beverage, dairy, or regulated manufacturing experience preferred.  

working conditions and physical requirements: 

• Full-time, 40 hours per week. The schedule may flex periodically to support training and observation across shifts. 

• Regularly alternates among office, classroom, and manufacturing-floor work. Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking may be required. 

• Occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. 

• Occasional reaching, bending, crouching, and movement around production equipment, as required for floor observation and training. 

• May work near operating machinery and other manufacturing hazards and must follow all site safety, access, PPE, and permit requirements. Entry into confined spaces is outside routine duties unless separately trained, authorized, and required. 

• May work in areas where ammonia and peracetic acid are used or present; must follow all site exposure-control and emergency procedures. 

food safety requirements: 

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety. 

• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas. 

• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company. 

• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system. 

• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system. 

• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected. 

• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required. 

how fairlife nourishes you: 

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work. 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one! 

• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance) 

• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance 

• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000) 

• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support 

• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match 

• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses) 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support 

• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability 

• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants) 

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month) 

• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential 

• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups 

• Our manufacturing facilities are climate-controlled and a pristine work environment 

fairlife’s nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day. 

position location: Webster, NY 

reports to: Training Manager 

travel requirements: 5% 

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt