Training Manager

CJ Schwan’s; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 68,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Time off programs

Retirement offerings

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s in Sioux Falls seeks a Training Manager to design and implement training strategies across multiple areas of a new manufacturing site. You will develop programs to elevate technical skills, leadership, and culture, while ensuring safety and quality compliance.

The role leads onboarding, collaborates with plant leadership, and drives continuous improvement in learning initiatives within a major food manufacturing site. A strong background in instructional design is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field is required.
• Minimum 5 years in training, development, or OD within manufacturing.
• Experience managing training teams and partnering with cross-functional leadership.
• Experience in food manufacturing or regulated environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive training programs and materials across technical, behavioral, cultural, and compliance requirements.
• Serve as SME for learning tools, systems, and platforms supporting training in manufacturing operations.
• Design onboarding and development plans, including 30-60-90 day programs.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to align training with business goals and priorities.
• Lead training and technology transfer for new equipment and projects.

Skills

Adult learning

Instructional design

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Training & Development, Education, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, or related field

Tools

Learning management systems

Job description

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

Our brand-new, 360,000-square-foot Asian-style food manufacturing facility in Sioux Falls, SD , is taking shape — and we’re ramping up hiring for key roles. This is your chance to be part of something from the ground up. We’re building a strong, experienced team ready to bring this new site to life and shape its future together.

We’re looking for a Training Manager who is passionate about helping people learn, grow, and thrive at our Sioux Falls manufacturing facility. The Training Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and executing comprehensive training strategies that support both new and existing employees in achieving company standards and performance expectations. This role will lead the design and implementation of learning programs that enhance technical skills, leadership capabilities, workplace culture, and operational excellence across multiple areas of a manufacturing facility. The Training Manager will foster a cross-functional learning environment that promotes employee engagement, continuous improvement, and operational effectiveness.

What You Will Do:

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive training programs, learning modules, playbooks, and training materials that address technical, behavioral, cultural, and compliance requirements.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for learning and development tools, systems, and platforms that support training initiatives across manufacturing operations, including utility systems, bakery, topping, and packaging functions.
• Design and oversee structured onboarding and development plans, including 30-60-90 day training programs, to support employee success and operational readiness.
• Partner with plant leadership to align training strategies with business goals, workforce development objectives, and operational priorities.
• Lead training and technology transfer initiatives for new equipment, processes, and capital projects to ensure successful implementation and employee adoption.
• Stay current on industry trends, adult learning methodologies, instructional design practices, training technologies, and performance improvement strategies.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and Operations teams to develop talent pipelines, succession planning initiatives, and employee development programs.
• Build and maintain a systematic approach to learning through the effective use of people, processes, and technology to deliver high-impact training solutions.
• Support communication strategies related to organizational changes, training initiatives, and employee development opportunities.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and assessment methods to evaluate training effectiveness, measure employee competency, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Analyze training outcomes and provide recommendations to leadership regarding workforce capability development and performance enhancement.
• Manage, coach, and develop Training Coordinators and other training personnel to ensure training milestones and objectives are achieved.
• Ensure compliance with all employees’ safety, food safety, quality, regulatory, and company standards.
• Promote and model company values, ethics, policies, and standards of conduct while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

What We Look For:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Training & Development, Education, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, or a related field required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in training, learning and development, organizational development, or workforce development within a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience developing and implementing training programs in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, or other regulated environments preferred.
• Experience managing training teams and partnering with cross-functional leadership teams is strongly preferred.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $68,000 to $113,000 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus; that is based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography, etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail] .