Production Trainer

Pens.com; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Pens.com, based in Nashville area, is seeking a Production Trainer to develop the technical capabilities of production operators across decoration lines. The role focuses on quality, speed, safety, and continuous improvement, acting as an SME bridging Production, Engineering, and Learning & Development.

You will deliver hands-on training on Helix, DTF, UV, Laser Engraving, Pad Print, and Screen Print, create SOPs, assess skills, and certify operators.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing or production environment is required.
• Strong knowledge of decoration technologies (Helix, DTF, Laser Engraving, Pad Print, Screen Print).
• Proven leadership and ability to train others.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on technical training on all decoration machines and related processes.
• Create and maintain standardized training materials, SOPs, and visual work instructions.
• Conduct skill assessments for new hires and cross-training programs.
• Certify operators on defined skill levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Expert).
• Collaborate with L&D to develop e-learning or blended modules.
• Partner with Production and Engineering to identify skill gaps and process improvements.
• Support new machine installations or upgrades and ensure training readiness.
• Monitor performance post-training for retention and consistency.
• Assist audits and quality reviews as a technical reference.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Decoration technologies

Leadership qualities

Communication skills

Tools

Helix

DTF

Laser Engraving

Pad Print

Screen Print

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Production Trainer

Location: Shelbyville, Tennessee

Overview of Role

The Deco Machine Trainer is responsible for developing the technical capabilities of production operators across all decoration lines (Helix, DTF, Laser, Pad Print, Screen Print etc.). The role ensures that machine operators are trained to company standards in quality, speed, and safety, and that training programs are continuously improved to support new product launches, technology upgrades, and peak season readiness.

The Deco Machine Trainer acts as the technical subject matter expert (SME) for decoration processes, bridging the gap between Production, Engineering, and Learning & Development (L&D).

What you will do:

Training & Development

• Deliver hands-on technical training on all decoration machines and related processes (Helix, DTF, UV, Laser Engraving, Pad Print, etc.).
• Create and maintain standardized training materials, SOPs, and visual work instructions for each decoration method.
• Conduct skill assessments for new hires and cross-training programs for existing operators.
• Certify operators on defined skill levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Expert).
• Collaborate with the L&D team to develop e-learning or blended modules.

Operational Excellence

• Partner with the Production and Engineering teams to identify skill gaps, training priorities, and process improvement opportunities.
• Support new machine installations or upgrades, ensuring training readiness and alignment to new methods.
• Monitor operator performance post-training to ensure learning retention and consistency of output.
• Support root cause analysis (RCA) and continuous improvement activities related to machine performance or quality issues.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all training aligns with quality, safety, and production standards.
• Reinforce adherence to SOPs, 5S practices, and visual management guidelines.
• Act as a technical reference point during audits and quality reviews.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain a full training matrix for all decoration staff.
• Report monthly training progress, certification rates, and training hours to management.
• Support L&D in tracking skill progression across shifts and locations.

What we need from you:

• Ability to adhere to regulations and standards.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving ability.ist>
• Respect to diversity.
• Ability to inspire and motivate.
• Strong leadership qualities and interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience in a manufacturing or production environment, preferably within decoration technologies.
• Strong technical knowledge of Helix, DTF, Laser, Pad Print, Screen Print, and related equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in training or instructional design (e.g., Train-the-Trainer, CIPD).
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with multilingual training delivery or visual-based instruction.

About National Pen

With 60 years of experience and serving 22 countries worldwide, National Pen brands offer more value and simplicity to customers and distributor partners. National Pen’s flagship direct-to-business brand is Pens.com, and the company operates via a network of more than 10 facilities across North America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia.

To learn more, visit: www.PENS.com

National Pen is a Cimpress brand (Nasdaq: CMPR).