Trainer (50561)

Kolpak; Parsons (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wage

Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)

401(k) savings plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

On-the-job training and skills dev

Job summary

Kolpak is seeking a Production Trainer to develop and deliver hands-on training for machine operators at our Parsons, TN facility. You will ensure operators are proficient in equipment operation, safety, quality, and production processes, partnering with Manufacturing leadership to sustain excellence.

The role emphasizes SOP adherence, skill assessments, and improved performance across shift teams in a non-temperature-controlled environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• 3+ years of manufacturing or machine operation experience.
• 1+ years of training, coaching, mentoring, or leadership experience in a production environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of production equipment, processes, and safety practices.
• Ability to communicate technical information to varied audiences.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams).
• Experience training operators in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Lean/Six Sigma/CI or TPM knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct machine operator certification training.
• Provide hands-on instruction on setup, operation, changeovers, troubleshooting, and shutdown procedures.
• Train employees in SOPs, work instructions, and best practices.
• Demonstrate safe machine operation and reinforce safety requirements.
• Coach operators to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Evaluate operator competency via observations and skills assessments.
• Maintain and update training materials, job aids, and manuals.
• Create skill matrices and training plans for multiple production areas.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Maintenance and Quality teams.
• Assist in cross-training programs to increase workforce flexibility.

Skills

Effective communication

Instructional delivery

Coaching & mentoring

Analytical skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Teams

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Kolpak LLC - Parsons, TN 38363

Position Type: Full Time

Job Shift: 1st Shift

Job Category: Operations

The Production Trainer is responsible for developing and delivering hands‑on training programs for machine operators in a manufacturing environment. This role ensures employees are trained on equipment operation, safety procedures, quality standards, and production processes. The Trainer works closely with Production Supervisors, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality, and Safety teams to improve employee performance, support operational excellence, and maintain compliance with company and regulatory requirements.

Reporting directly to the Manufacturing Manager, this position is based in Parsons, Tennessee*.

Major Accountability

• Safety
• Quality
• Production

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Conduct machine operator certification training.
• Provide hands‑on instruction on machine setup, operation, changeovers, troubleshooting, and shutdown procedures.
• Train employees in standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and best practices.
• Demonstrate safe machine operation and reinforce safety requirements throughout all training activities.
• Coach and mentor operators on proper techniques to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Evaluate operator competency through observations, skills assessments, and practical demonstrations.
• Develop, update, and maintain operator training materials, job aids, work instructions, and training manuals.
• Create skill matrices and training plans for machine operators across multiple production areas.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to ensure training materials reflect current processes and equipment requirements.
• Assist in developing cross‑training programs to increase workforce flexibility and coverage.
• Monitor operator performance and identify opportunities for additional coaching and development.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by recommending process and training enhancements.
• Analyze quality defects, downtime events, and production issues to determine training‑related causes.
• Collaborate with supervisors to address performance concerns through targeted training plans.
• Track training completion, certifications, and recertification requirements.
• Maintain training schedules and employee development records.
• Prepare reports on training effectiveness, operator qualifications, and workforce readiness.
• Assist leadership in workforce planning and skills gap analysis.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree in Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Education, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of manufacturing or machine operation experience.
• 1+ years of training, coaching, mentoring, or leadership experience in a production environment preferred
• Strong knowledge of production equipment, manufacturing processes, and workplace safety practices.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information to employees with varying levels of experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience training operators in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, or TPM methodologies preferred
• Experience creating training documentation, visual work instructions, and skills assessments.
• Must be able to carry up to 50lbs and work in a non‑temperature‑controlled manufacturing environment
• Must be able to wear PPE

Our Benefits

We believe that our people our one of our most valuable assets. That’s why we provide our employees with a competitive benefits package that helps protect their health, income and lifestyle. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location, and can include the following:

• Competitive wage
• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) savings plan
• Wellness Program
• Supplemental Health Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training and Development
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee discounts
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• On-the-job training and skills development
• Basic Life Insurance
• Leave Program
• Employee Events and more…

*Kolpak is dedicated to ensuring confidence in the future of food service businesses and operations. Since 1969, Kolpak has manufactured quality, reliable, and efficient walk‑in coolers, freezers, and refrigeration that protects our customers’ products and promises they need to deliver, both today and for years to come. Our commitment to the industry and our customers has made Kolpak a leading global brand. The Kolpak facility is centrally located between Memphis and Nashville, just off I-40 on the beautiful Tennessee River in Parsons, TN. Kolpak, a Welbilt brand, is a division of Ali Group.

For more information about Kolpak, visit www.kolpak.com

Kolpak is an equal opportunity employer, as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.