Operator Training & Development Manager

Operator Training & Development Manager

Reports To: Production Manager

Direct Reports: Production Trainer

The Operator Training & Development Manager is responsible for all facets of the learning and development of our Chemical Operators by managing our Skill Level Progression Program. This manager will lead the operator learning and development strategy, manage its implementation and measure its impact to ensure it aligns with production and safety goals. This manager is also responsible for facilitating the development, implementation, and maintenance of Optima’s Human-Machine-Interface software called Visual Knowledge Share (VKS) and creating training strategies for effective implementation for all Chemical Operators.

Responsibilities: (include but are not limited to)

• Collaborate with Site Manager and other production leadership to ensure strategic alignment of all Operator Training methods, systems and processes with production and safety goals and objectives.
• Identify past and current training gaps and needs through consultation with production leadership, needs assessments, etc.
• Create and/or introduce training materials like learning modules.
• Oversee the evaluation of how effective these training activities are and make recommendations to production leadership on improvements.
• Work with on-shift trainers to ensure training is occurring according to set timeline on each shift.
• Maintain the educational standards of Optima Chemical specific content by providing targeted comprehensive training to all current and newly hired Chemical Operators.
• Monitor and evaluate the 4-week orientation training class and work with the Production Trainer to continually enhance.
• Work with the Production Trainer and Engineers to create and/or improve job-specific course content for Chemical Operators.
• Work with the Production Trainer and Supervisors to create training schedules, qualification targets, deadlines, etc. for each Chemical Operator to ensure completion.
• Work with Production Trainer to fully utilize and maintain LMS365 to track training plans, progress, and outcomes for all Chemical Operators.
• Identify Chemical Operators who need or want further training in specific areas which may include but are not limited to further education, soft skills, vocational training and career advancement planning.
• Evaluate success of training implementation by assessing achievement of learning objectives and transfer of knowledge to continuously improve Operator Training solutions and identify future learning needs.
• Attend seminars and meetings to learn new training methods and techniques and use the knowledge to prepare and coordinate future training sessions.
• Develop training programs that offer the latest knowledge and skills.
• Manage a budget for employee training and review with Site Manager. 
• Implement various Operator Training programs and make changes as needed to improve training courses. 
• Select and manage resources including working with both internal employees and training vendors to develop and deliver training.
• Evaluate whether the training program is having a positive impact on the overall organization and achieving the required production and safety objectives. 
• Identify employees who can serve as training mentors to other employees. 
• Invent new ways to accommodate the learning needs of contemporary learners.

• Manage customized solutions for technology integration between systems (VKS, DataParc, ProcessPro, SmartSheets, AssetEssentials, LMS365).

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  Develop appropriate reporting systems within and between software platforms (VKS, DataParc, ProcessPro)

  ·         Assist in the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of VKS.

  ·         Work closely with production Process Engineers in developing VKS batch sheets and training materials.

  ·         Manage the VKS course content and training implementation to all Chemical Operators

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience in lieu of education.
• Minimum of 2 years in instructional design, curriculum development and training delivery.
• Proficient skills in MS Office (including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).

Success Characteristics:

• Demonstrated ability to manage information in a sensitive and confidential manner.
• Passion for excellence through attentive listening, providing timely information and welcoming feedback and open discussions regarding performance.
• Team oriented with the ability to build consensus and effective relationships throughout all levels of the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, verbal and presentation skills to successfully manage a variety of responsibilities with accuracy.
• Demonstrated maturity, credibility, and self-confidence to function effectively in a demanding environment.
• Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills to manage complex tasks and those that require balancing competing interests.
• Ability to manage by setting clear expectations and enforcing accountability if expectations are not met.
• High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency, accountability, and results-orientation.
• Flexibility in an ever-changing environment supported by efficient and effective training outcomes.
• Effective communication (verbal, written and interpersonal) skills to inspire and engage Operators.