Training Manager

job purpose: 

The Site Training Manager is the people leader accountable for Webster’s technical training strategy, team, site portfolio, qualification system, skills-matrix governance, Certified Trainer program, budget, and plant-level results. The role translates enterprise direction into site action and ensures the team’s work improves workforce readiness, time to proficiency, qualification integrity, and on-the-job performance.

Reporting to the Director, Technical Training and Development, the role partners closely with Webster Operations, HR, EHS, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and other site functions.

responsibilities: 

• Represent Technical Training in site leadership forums; align shift leaders on training priorities, qualification requirements, and change readiness. 

• Own training data, skills-matrix, scorecard, and capability assessments—set standards, flag workforce risks, and guide qualification/investment decisions. 

• Partner with site and shift leaders to secure training capacity and confirm evidence exists before qualification sign-off. 

• Own the site’s training project portfolio (capital, equipment, process changes)—manage plans, milestones, risks, and resource trade-offs. 

• Set curriculum and instructional design standards; oversee content ownership and quality across Training Specialists. 

• Own training operations, governance, and records; delegate routine LMS/logistics work to the Training Coordinator. 

• Lead, coach, and develop Training Specialists and the Coordinator—set goals, hold regular one-on-ones, and address performance early. 

• Own the site training budget, team capacity, and the Certified Trainer program (selection, certification, quality calibration). 

• Maintain regular presence across office, classroom, and floor to stay a credible training partner to employees and leadership; perform other related duties as assigned. 

skills/qualifications required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, education, training, operations, engineering, business, or related field—or equivalent experience. 

• 7+ years in manufacturing, technical training, L&D, or operations, with demonstrated people leadership and program delivery. 

• Strong communication and facilitation skills, able to engage effectively from the shop floor to site leadership. 

• Proven ability to manage a training portfolio: planning backward from deadlines, managing risk, and holding owners accountable. 

• Skilled in analyzing skills-matrix, learner, and operational data to drive clear priorities and resourcing decisions. 

• Flexible availability to support all shifts, including occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends. 

• Working knowledge of adult learning, instructional design, facilitation, and training measurement methods. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint; familiar with LMS, budgeting, resource design and digital training tools. 

• Solid grasp of manufacturing operations to make sound training decisions and know when to pull in SMEs. 

• Preferred: experience in food & beverage, dairy, regulated manufacturing, startup/greenfield, capital projects, or multi-shift leadership. 

working conditions and physical requirements:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week. Webster operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year on 12-hour production shifts. This position is primarily scheduled Monday through Friday but must periodically flex its schedule to support employees and training needs across both day and night 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.

• Specific atmospheric conditions – AMMONIA/PAA

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: Director, Technical Training and Development 

travel requirements: 10%

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt

Base pay range: 120000 - 140000 USD