Production Operations Trainer

Band Grade : 5-A

Annual Wage Range: $107,120.00 - $147,290.00

Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses

Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

Job Description

The Production Operations Trainer is a subject matter expert (SME) in equipment operation, production processes, safety procedures, quality systems, and continuous improvement tools.

They are responsible for delivering and improving technical training content to support manufacturing operations. The Production Operations Trainer ensures employees are competent, safe, and compliant while operating equipment, following standard work, and meeting quality and productivity standards.

The Production Operations Trainer closely collaborates with manufacturing, engineering, quality, EHS&S, and leadership to support workforce capability and operational excellence.

This role is on-site in Curtis Bay, Baltimore, MD and reports to the Training Manager

Responsibilities

• Provide training on equipment operation, production processes, safety procedures, quality systems, and continuous improvement tools
• Develop, maintain, and deliver technical training programs for manufacturing operators, technicians, and support staff
• Create and update training materials, including SOPs, work instructions, job breakdowns, visual aids, assessments, and e-learning content
• Evaluate employee competency through observations, assessments, and performance data
• Maintain training records, certifications, and qualification matrices in compliance with company and regulatory requirements
• Identify skill gaps and recommend targeted training interventions
• Partner with manufacturing leaders, engineering, quality, and EHS&S to ensure training aligns with operational needs

Physical Requirements and Environment

• Ability to work in a high hazard environment, including adverse weather conditions, elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and noisy surroundings.
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb stairs and ladders over 100 ft.
• Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator
• Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a pilot plant facility with highly hazardous materials

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree or High School diploma plus equivalent experience in Manufacturing, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field
• 3-5 years of hands-on manufacturing experience (machining, assembly, automation, maintenance, or similar)
• Experience delivering technical or on-the-job training in a manufacturing setting
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related discipline.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing, specialty chemicals, catalysts, materials science, or other highly regulated process manufacturing environments.
• Training certification such as Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP/CPTD), Training Within Industry (TWI), Instructional Design, or similar credential.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and effective training methodologies.
• Ability to create and maintain training materials, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, job breakdowns, presentations, assessments, and visual work aids.
• Experience evaluating employee competency through observations, skill assessments, and performance metrics.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
• Familiarity with ISO quality systems, GMP, Responsible Care, OSHA requirements, or other applicable regulatory standards.
• Experience using training matrices, skills assessments, and workforce development planning tools.
• Previous experience in a lead operator, supervisor, mentor, instructor, or technical trainer role.
• Ability to analyze workforce capability data and develop targeted training strategies to address skill gaps and improve operational performance.
• Proven ability to organize, maintain, and audit training records and qualification documentation.

To be considered for this position, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace
• Retirement Plans
• 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program
• U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.