Molding Trainer

Tarkett; Middlefield (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Career growth

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

The Molding Trainer position at Tarkett on the day shift focuses on hands-on training for molding operators, ensuring safety and adherence to standard work.

You will lead sessions on press operation, mold prep, pad loading, and quality checks, while maintaining training records and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Candidates should have a high school diploma and strong coaching skills, with the ability to work flexible hours as training needs require.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, train, and mentor others.
• Good problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Strong work ethic and exemplary attendance record.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and shifts as training needs require.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on training on molding and finishing operations.
• Cover press operation, mold preparation and pad loading.
• Cover mold release application and part trimming/inspection.
• Maintain training records and document operator qualifications.
• Coach trainees on safety practices and 5S standards.
• Monitor trainee progress and provide timely feedback to supervisors.
• Identify skill gaps and coordinate refresher training.
• Submit work orders and ensure training equipment is operational.
• Support continuous improvement and World Class Manufacturing initiatives.

Skills

Coaching

Mentoring

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

SAP

Job description

The Molding Trainer on day shift is responsible for providing hands-on training, support, and guidance to molding operators. This role ensures that both new hires and existing team members are trained to safely and effectively operate molding equipment, follow standard work procedures, and meet production and quality standards. The Molding Trainer plays a critical role in operator development, safety awareness, and continuous improvement efforts within the department.

ESSESNTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide hands-on training on all molding and finishing operations, including:
• Press operation
• Mold preparation and pad loading
• Mold release application
• Part trimming and inspection
• Production documentation and data entry
• Demonstrate and reinforce safety practices, including PPE usage and adherence to 5S.
• Lead training sessions on work instructions, quality standards, and company policies.
• Monitor trainee performance and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Evaluate trainee progress and readiness for independent work; communicate status to supervisors.
• Maintain training records and ensure documentation of operator qualifications.
• Coach and mentor operators on troubleshooting, problem-solving, and efficient work habits.
• Identify skill gaps and provide refresher training as needed.
• Support a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Submit work orders when necessary and follow up to ensure training equipment is operational.
• Assist in implementing continuous improvement and WCM (World Class Manufacturing) initiatives.

CORE TRAINER EXPECTATIONS:

• Demonstrates a consistently positive and encouraging attitude.
• Effectively communicates with all trainees and team members.
• Possesses a solid understanding of shop rules and company policies.
• Aware of and reinforces attendance expectations.
• Models professionalism and company values through daily actions.
• Shows patience and respect when working with inexperienced or diverse learners.
• Provides regular and meaningful feedback to trainees.
• Clearly communicates progress and concerns to supervisors and training leads.
• Prioritizes safety and explains procedures clearly, setting a strong example.

REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, train, and mentor others.
• Good problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Strong work ethic and exemplary attendance record.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and shifts as training needs require.

PREFERRED

• Qualified on all molding presses and finishing machines.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and SAP.
• Understanding of customer scheduling and production flow.
• Knowledge of WCM tools and production metrics (downtime, throughput, etc.).
• Previous experience in a lead, trainer, or peer mentor role.
• Interest in career growth toward leadership or supervisory roles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Perform work within Molding/Finishing department based on business needs. This includes performing duties on presses and equipment
• Ability to reach, bend, lift, and push objects weighing 3-28 lbs on a continuous basis for the duration of the shift.
• Ability to carry/transport material with the dimensions of: 12\"x12\", 25\"x25\", 3'length, and 9' length
• Ability to lift and carry up to 55 lbs occasionally.
• Ability to push wheeled-tile carts with maximum capacity at 480 lbs.
• Work in a non-climate-controlled, noisy manufacturing environment (80%+ of workday).
• Normal color vision

What We Offer

A commitment that Safety is #1 Competitive benefits, pay, and retirement plan options! Career growth, stability, and flexible work arrangements.

Responsible Manufacturing - Protecting Our Planet for the Future We utilize renewable energy and a closed loop recycled water process. We are committed to reducing greenhouse emissions and water consumption. We are the only flooring company recognized by the Asthma and Allergy foundation.

Who we are: With a history of more than 140 years, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and sport surface solutions, generating turnover of €3.3 billion in 2025. The Group has close to 12,000 employees, 25 R&D centers, 8 recycling centers and 33 production sites. Tarkett creates and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, stores and sports fields, serving customers in over 100 countries.

www.tarkett-group.com

Tarkett is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences and promote an inclusive workplace where all employees can perform at their best.

At Tarkett, we cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship with respect and trust. We make conscious choices, for people and for the planet and we commit to be next to your every step of the way. At Tarkett we help create great spaces.

We believe in taking care of our people, our customers and our planet. We believe in being agile and performance-driven in everything that we do in order to find the best flooring and sports surface solutions.

https://www.tarkett.com/