MNT TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR in Dumas, Texas at Panhandle Products LLC

Supervisor’s Title: Safety Manager

Reports to: Safety Manager

Department: Training

Exempt Status: Exempt

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, flexibility as needed for breakdowns, training, and field phone calls

The Maintenance Training and Development Coordinator is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing training programs to enhance technical skills, safety compliance, and operational knowledge of maintenance personnel. This role plays a critical part in workforce development, ensuring the maintenance team is properly trained to support equipment reliability, safety standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Design and implement training programs specific to the maintenance of cheese and whey manufacturing equipment, including preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair techniques.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive training materials, such as manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), presentations, and videos.
• Customize training programs to meet the needs of new hires, experienced staff, and cross-functional teams.
• Conduct hands-on and classroom-based training sessions on equipment such as pasteurizers, separators, evaporators, dryers, and CIP systems.
• Provide training on electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems used in the facility.
• Assess training needs for the maintenance team through skills gap analysis, job observations, and feedback from supervisors.
• Use a learning management system (LMS) or equivalent to maintain accurate records of employee training, certifications, and competencies.
• Partner with Maintenance, Production, and HR departments to align training initiatives with business objectives and compliance requirements.
• Track and report training metrics, including completion rates, performance improvements, and ROI of training programs.
• Facilitate onboarding and orientation programs for new maintenance hires and apprentices.
• Identify and source external training vendors or programs when specialized instruction is required.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, safety, and operational excellence.
• Facilitate safety training, emphasizing compliance with OSHA, FDA, USDA, and company-specific safety standards.
• Act as subject matter expert for maintenance-related processes and equipment.
• Collaborate with equipment manufacturers and vendors to stay updated on new technologies and advancements.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving complex maintenance issues as needed.
• Assess the skill levels of maintenance staff through evaluations, practical tests, and observation.
• Provide constructive feedback and creative individualized development plans to address skills gaps.
• Track and report training progress and outcomes to management.
• Work closely with maintenance, production, and quality teams to identify training needs and operational challenges.
• Participate in equipment installations, commissioning, and start-up activities to ensure proper staff training.
• Support the continuous improvement initiative by integrating feedback into training programs.
• Maintain detailed records of training sessions, certifications, and employee progress.
• Ensure all training programs comply with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Regularly review and update training content to align with changes in equipment, processes, or regulations.
• Perform any other relevant duties and responsibilities defined in company policies and procedures, applicable regulations, or the SQF code.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Comply with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates (Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Admin, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance).
• Comply with all company food safety policies and procedures (including Good Manufacturing Practices).
• Responsible for providing food safety and quality feedback to the appropriate manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field preferred
• Minimum 7 years in a cheese and whey manufacturing plant.
• Previous experience in training or mentoring maintenance staff is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of cheese and whey manufacturing processes and equipment is a must.
• Proficiency in diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, and automated systems.
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Ability to develop and deliver technical training programs effectively.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously and delegate assignments to others.
• Punctual and regular attendance is required.
• English skills must be proficient to understand, read, write, and speak.
• Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures. Report all unsafe activity to the supervisor and/or Human Resources.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical effort is regularly required.
• May be trained and required to operate a forklift.
• Ascending or descending ramps, stairs, ladders and/or scaffolding.
• Frequently involves crouching, stooping, kneeling and/or climbing or balancing.
• Frequently involves lifting more than 50 lbs.

Typical Environmental Conditions:

• Works in a food processing manufacturing facility with moderate noise.
• May be exposed to moderate to high noise levels (i.e., production equipment, forklifts, heavy traffic).
• May be exposed to humidity, intense heat and cold, outdoor weather conditions, and fumes and toxic chemicals.
• May work in areas with mechanical moving parts, above ground with risk of fall, or areas with risk of electrical shock.
• May be exposed to ingredients that may cause allergic reactions and may be exposed to various allergen ingredients.