Manager of Training, Qualifications and Continuous Improvement

Shearers is a leading contract manufacturer and private label supplier in the snack industry in North America. Headquartered in Massillon Ohio Shearers has 17 state-of-the-art geographically diverse manufacturing facilities in Ohio Texas Arkansas Arizona Minnesota Pennsylvania Virginia Iowa Ontario and Alberta Canada including one of the industrys first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum LEED certified facilities in Massillon Ohio. The Company is known for producing the highest quality snacks in assorted flavors and sizes including kettle cooked potato chips traditional potato chips tortilla chips cheese curls and other extruded snacks and corn chips as well as cookies crackers and wafers.

Manager of Training Qualifications and Continuous Improvement

Location: Bristol Virginia

Are you ready to take on a key leadership role in transforming operational processes within the food manufacturing industry Do you have a passion for driving excellence and innovation in the production of snacks If so we want you as our Manager of Training Qualifications and Continuous Improvement!

Summary of Role

This leadership role is pivotal in driving Shearers Operational Process (SHOP) and Lean Manufacturing initiatives. The Manager of Training Qualifications and Continuous Improvement will lead efforts to eliminate losses due to skill gaps enhance team member capabilities and foster a culture of continuous improvement across the plant. The role combines strategic training development with hands-on execution of Lean methodologies to improve performance engagement and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement training and qualifications strategies aligned with business goals and loss elimination.
• Lead the creation and execution of training materials using the T&Q Training Development Process.
• Establish and manage skill matrices certification systems and administrative processes across the plant.
• Build and lead pillar teams to support SHOP and Zero Loss initiatives.
• Drive Lean/CI initiatives including Kaizen 5S FIT and other associate engagement programs.
• Analyze performance data and KPIs to assess and improve training and CI effectiveness.
• Lead capital improvement and engineering initiatives tied to continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with plant leadership and corporate CI resources to align strategies and share best practices.
• Qualify trainers and facilitate knowledge transfer across teams and pillars.
• Support enterprise-wide training programs and organizational priorities.

---

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Operations Management Business or related field (preferred).
• 510 years of leadership experience in manufacturing preferably in consumer packaged goods or food production.
• Practical experience in training design facilitation and adult learning theory.
• Strong understanding of Lean tools (Kaizen 5S Six Sigma) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
• Excellent analytical organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word Excel and related applications.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule to support a 24/7 operation.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Influence: Courageous leadership ability to inspire and engage teams lead change initiatives.
• Operational Excellence: Drive measurable improvements in safety quality labor and materials.
• People Development: Value diversity foster teamwork develop organizational talent.
• Communication: Foster open communication adapt style for different audiences.
• Strategic Thinking: Assess complex systems think beyond the plan build customer value.
• Integrity & Ethics: Uphold high standards act with urgency and intensity.

---

Why Join Shearers

Be part of a values-driven culture focused on respect teamwork and community.

Make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced non-bureaucratic environment.

Work with a leading private equity-backed company committed to growth and innovation.

We Offer a Feast of Benefits

Medical Dental Vision Life Flexible Spending Account Retirement Savings Plan with Match Short Term Disability Long Term Disability Group Critical Accident Insurance Group Critical Illness Insurance Employee Assistance Plan and numerous opportunities to volunteer in the communities in which we operate.

You will be considered for employment in our inclusive workplace

Because at Shearers we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion gender sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin age disability genetic information marital status amnesty protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This is your invitation to apply now!

Note: Shearers does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to any recruiting alias or employee. Shearers is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Production