Manufacturing Training Supervisor

AFL; Duncan (SC); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off policy

401K Company match up to 4%

Professional development programs

Medical, dental, and vision insurance options

Job summary

AFL is seeking a Manufacturing Training Supervisor to lead training initiatives across various manufacturing sites. This role involves managing a team of instructors and ensuring that training aligns with operational KPIs and quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and significant experience in manufacturing training, including people leadership and instructional design. Opportunities for growth and professional development are available within this role.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing training or related field.
• 3+ years in people leadership roles with direct reports.
• Experience managing training programs across multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and develop Manufacturing Training Instructors.
• Drive standardization of training practices across sites.
• Ensure training supports operational KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Training program management

Instructional design

Data analysis

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

LMS, QMS, MES

Job description

AFL manufactures industry‑leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $3B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer

• A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

The Manufacturing Training Supervisor leads the design, execution, and continuous improvement of training programs across multiple manufacturing sites. This role is responsible for directly managing a team of Manufacturing Training Instructors, driving training strategy for 1,000+ operators, and ensuring alignment with operational, quality, and digital transformation initiatives.

The Supervisor owns training system effectiveness (QMS, LMS, MES‑integrated training), ensures ISO compliance, and partners cross‑functionally to improve workforce capability, standard work adherence, and operational performance. This role plays a key leadership function in scaling training globally and enabling major system deployments (e.g., PLEX, Squint).

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise, coach, and develop a team of Manufacturing Training Instructors (7+)
• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and accountability for training execution and outcomes
• Conduct regular performance reviews, capability assessments, and succession planning for training staff
• Drive standardization of instructional practices across shifts, lines, and sites
• Ensure adequate instructor coverage aligned to production demand and growth
• Scale training systems to support 1,000+ operators across multiple locations
• Translate business needs into structured training plans aligned to operational KPIs (TTT, FPY, RFT, etc.)
• Oversee onboarding, certification, and ongoing operator development frameworks
• Ensure consistency and integrity of standard work through training delivery
• Collaborate with and provide mentorship to several Training Coordinators
• Partner with Operations, Quality, HR, Engineering, and IT to identify and close skill gaps
• Serve as the primary training leader for global site support and deployment alignment
• Lead training readiness for new product introductions, process changes, and plant expansions
• Support international sites with training systems, content, and best practices
• Drive adoption of digital training tools (e.g., LMS, QMS, MES, Squint)
• Lead transformation of standard work into visual, operator‑centric training content
• Oversee development of scalable, repeatable training tied to system workflows (PLEX transactions, etc.)
• Ensure training supports system proficiency, not just documentation compliance
• Own training compliance with ISO and internal quality standards
• Lead certified trainer audit and surveillance programs
• Ensure accurate certification tracking, documentation, and audit readiness
• Evaluate training effectiveness using KPIs and implement corrective actions
• Establish and track training KPIs and scorecards across sites
• Analyze trends in certification, performance, and training effectiveness
• Drive continuous improvement by eliminating inefficiencies and standardizing processes

Personal Qualities

• Strong leadership presence with ability to influence across functions and levels
• High ownership mentality with bias toward action and accountability
• Structured, process‑oriented, and detail‑focused (audit/compliance mindset)
• Effective communicator capable of engaging both operators and executives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Training, Quality, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing training, operations, or related field
• 3+ years of people leadership experience (direct reports required)
• Proven experience managing training programs at scale across multiple sites
• Strong background in instructional design, facilitation, and workforce development
• Experience supporting or leading digital training systems (LMS, QMS, MES)
• Ability to translate complex processes into operator‑focused training and standard work
• Strong data analysis and KPI management capability
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, )

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PLEX, EtQ, Squint, or similar platforms
• Bilingual (Spanish)
• Background in Lean / Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Master’s, Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Organizational Development, or related field

Master’s, Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Organizational Development, or related field

Working Conditions

• Frequent shop floor engagement across multiple manufacturing sites
• Availability for off‑shift support as needed
• Travel up to ~10%, including occasional international travel
• Reports directly to the Manufacturing Training Manager

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred