Production Trainer

Johnson Outdoors; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Johnson Outdoors is seeking an experienced Training Specialist to assess needs, design training plans, and deliver programs for evolving production processes. You will build train-the-trainer curricula, materials, and assessments to ensure consistent learning outcomes across manufacturing teams.

The role emphasizes collaborating with leadership, safety, and quality to drive improvements, integrating AI/digital tools where appropriate, and maintaining strong documentation and adherence to safety

Qualifications

• Associates degree in business administration, education or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a training capacity in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lead a team and train staff effectively.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate training needs and develop a training plan.
• Partner with leadership to develop programs and materials for production staff.
• Create and maintain production process sheets and train-the-trainer programs.
• Identify and address performance or behavioral issues.
• Train on equipment and safety processes.

Skills

Team leadership

Training materials development

Research skills

Process analysis

Training techniques

Verbal communication

Safety 5S

Decision making

Adaptability

Prioritization

MS Office

AI/digital tools

Physical stamina

Education

Associates degree in business administration, education or equivalent

Job description

Evaluates training needs, practices and gaps to develop training plans and materials to increase efficiencies and quality. Develops train the trainer programs which help accelerate learning and consistent training processes. Partners with leadership, manufacturing engineering, safety and quality to evaluate practices, and develop and implement training programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluates training needs, current practices, gaps, and creating and delivering a training development plan.
• Partners with leadership, manufacturing engineering, safety, and quality to develop the training program, materials and presentations used to train production employees and provide new hire orientation. Develops and implements a train the trainer program to ensure effective training programs are delivered to all staff on processes. Reviews efficiency of program and updates as needed.
• Establishes programs and training methods to provide daily training to all production associates ensuring the employees have the knowledge and capability to be effective, efficient, and safe. Assists employees in understanding how to run various production lines and be able to float based on fluctuating production needs to ensure effective departmental operations.
• Recruits and schedules external vendors to deliver training programs to meet specific training needs when warranted.
• Alerts leadership of any potential performance or behavioral issues with new employees.
• Partners with the manufacturing/production team to understand and define processes to ensure efficiency and product quality.
• Creates production process sheet (direction on how to complete a production process) formats for production staff, maintains, and updates as needed. Provides training and feedback to job-specific trainers on training methods used to teach employees how to perform their job accurately and efficiently.
• Works with manufacturing engineering to create specific equipment training and ensures training is completed.
• Utilizes quality and EARS data to determine effectiveness of training and updates as needed.
• Performs specific build area training on various production cells on the production floor.
• Builds on and expands specific certified soldering training program.

Technology and AI Integration

• Appropriately uses approved AI, other digital technologies applying an AI-first mindset to support assigned work and improve efficiency, quality and consistency. Applies judgment and human oversight when using AI-generated outputs, follows company guidelines for technology use, and escalates concerns regarding outputs, accuracy, or proper use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education: Associates degree in business administration, education or equivalent.

Experience: Typically requires a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a training capacity in a manufacturing environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and work under tight deadlines while maintaining positive employee relations.
• Experience developing and implementing training materials, tutorials, assessments, testing and other processes to ensure the effectiveness of the learning and development activities.
• Ability to be proactive and possess strong research skills, resolve issues and drive training initiatives independently or within a team environment.
• Ability to analyze processes and data to determine training needs and develop materials.
• Ability to provide innovative training techniques which mirror current industry trends and standards
• Demonstrated excellent verbal presentation and communication skills to provide effective guidance and training to new team members.
• High knowledge level of safety, 5S housekeeping systems and quality guidelines which should be followed in a production/manufacturing environment
• Ability to make independent and effective decisions.
• Ability to successfully learn new skills and processes.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Basic understanding of how AI/digital tools support daily work, with the ability to follow guidance and adapt to new tools or processes
• Ability to spend the majority of the day standing, walking, lifting and bending.

A few pointers about our culture:

• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are in our bones! We authentically innovate trusted equipment that gets people out there. We are laser-focused on our consumers, and passionate about inspiring people to actively engage with the amazing awe of the outdoors again and again. We strive to create meaningful, healthy change in the world as individuals and as a family of brands. We value diversity and team members who are willing to wear multiple hats; who take personal initiative, anticipating what needs to be done, and figuring things out to make them happen; but who are also willing to ask for help, to assist others and work together.

What you will receive:

• Share in the company’s success - Competitive base salary, with additional earning potential through participation in the annual discretionary cash profit sharing program, and eligibility for annual pay increases.
• Find your work/life balancewith generous paid time off and holiday benefits, health insurance and wellness plans.
• Further your careerwith training opportunities including our tuition assistance program.
• Plan for your futurewith our 401k with company match and deferred retirement contributions, Sons & Daughters Scholarship program, life and LTD insurance, and more.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Johnson Outdoors (and all subsidiaries) without regard to race; creed; color; religion; national origin; sex; age; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; genetic predisposition or carrier status; veteran, marital, or citizenship status; or any other status protected by law. Johnson Outdoors is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

About Us:

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technologies that inspire more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors. The company designs, manufactures, and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Diving and Camping. Johnson Outdoors' iconic brands include.: Old Town® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak™; Carlisle® paddles; Minn Kota® fishing motors, batteries, and anchors; Cannon® downriggers; Humminbird® marine electronics and charts; SCUBAPRO® dive equipment; Jetboil® outdoor cooking systems. Founded in 1970 by Samuel C. Johnson, the Company has delivered double-digit compound annual growth over its history, evolving from a single brand into a nearly $663 million global enterprise with around 1,300 employees across 20 countries.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.