The Education & Training Manager develops and implements technical training programs to build employee technical skills, supporting the Factory Master Plan goals. This role partners across all levels to execute the AFNA Continuous Improvement strategy, transforming manufacturing operations into world-class standards. As a key leader, this position drives productivity by establishing robust Education & Training systems, leading training, coaching, and assessments to enhance technical skills while fostering operational excellence to achieve KPIs. Focusing on skill leveling, the Manager evaluates technical capabilities, builds proficiency, and solves problems by addressing skill-related losses with targeted education and training solutions.
Responsibilities
Design and Implement Technical Training Programs: Create and lead technical training initiatives to address skill gaps and systematically build proficiency across all skill levels.
Skill Building and Loss Reduction: Partner with factory leadership to evaluate losses and identify opportunities for skill development. Analyze technical capabilities, assess whether operators have been adequately trained, and address skill-related gaps as part of a loss reduction strategy. Develop and implement targeted solutions aligned with the Factory Master Plan, focusing on improving safety, quality, and operational performance.
Training Resources and System Development: Ensure employees have timely access to the right training and knowledge by developing and managing a comprehensive digital technical library with clear standards and accessible content. Collaborate with OSS/Pillar Leaders to standardize and enhance Education & Training systems that align with factory performance goals.
Factory SME Trainer Network: Establish and lead a network of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and trainers to drive technical skill development across the factory. Train and guide SMEs through the Ajinomoto Train-The-Trainer program, coaching them on training effectiveness, delivery methods, and employee engagement. Provide ongoing development and support to ensure trainers can effectively build capabilities and maintain alignment with factory goals and standards.
Employee Qualification Standards: Develop and deploy learning cards for each role, collaborating with team leads, trainers, and supervisors to ensure employees meet qualification standards.
Internal Capability Building: Partner with external vendors and internal teams to reduce dependency on outsourced training by capturing, developing, and documenting technical materials.
AFNA TPM Alignment: Support the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) journey by coaching Natural Work Teams (NWTs), maintaining skill matrices, and ensuring understanding and execution of skill management processes.
Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration: Champion teamwork across all functions to drive performance improvements and align training initiatives with plant goals. As a member of the plant leadership team, provide strategic guidance and support to ensure training efforts contribute to overall business objectives. Share and implement best practices, building relationships that drive continuous improvement across the organization.
Support additional projects and perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; Engineering or STEM degree highly preferred.
3+ years managing competency systems in military, manufacturing, or industrial environments; food or CPG manufacturing experience highly preferred.
Expertise in TPM, Lean Methodologies, and deploying technical training to an hourly workforce, with a focus on interactive and adult learning methods.
Proficiency in leveraging digital systems (e.g., Power BI, content management, SharePoint, AI) to enhance training effectiveness.
Strong skills in interpreting technical documents, schematics, and procedures, with a proven ability to lead change initiatives and align stakeholders.
Willingness to embrace new technologies and drive improvements.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.)
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit or stand, reach, bend and move about the work environment, plants or offices. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is regularly required to lift up to 10 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. Will be exposed to loud industrial type environments commonly found at plants. Varied temperatures from hot and humid to very cold.
AAP/EEO STATEMENT
Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
