Production Operator Trainer (Sewing Facility) - Des Moines, IA at Lakeland Industries – Des Moines, Iowa

Position Summary
Veridian Fire Protective Gear is seeking a skilled Production Operator Trainer to support our Des Moines manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for training and developing sewing operators, supporting production as needed, and ensuring consistent quality standards across glove and garment manufacturing operations.
The ideal candidate will have strong industrial sewing experience with the ability to effectively train, coach, and develop others at varying skill levels. Prior experience in a leadership or production support role is preferred. This is a hands-on role requiring active participation on the production floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform new hire facility introduction including the location of exits, emergency plans and equipment, and completion of safety videos
• Train and coach sewing operators at varying skill levels, adapting methods to different learning styles and skill gaps, to improve performance, consistency, and efficiency
• Monitor trainee progress and adjust training approach as needed
• Maintain operator training records
• Assist with introducing new products or changes to existing processes
• Train and support quality inspectors on proper techniques
• Assist in developing and improving structured training processes and materials
• Perform occasional quality checks on finished products
• Help identify and address basic production or quality issues
• Support and reinforce safe work practices throughout training and production activities
• • Support production by sewing on the line as needed, contributing to overall team output when training activities are complete and training records are current
• Other duties as assigned to support production and training needs

Qualifications
Additional Requirements:

• Prior experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• Leadership, training, or supervisory experience preferred
• Experience developing structured training with skill progression and pacing
• Proven ability to train or mentor others, including breaking down tasks, demonstrating techniques, and providing constructive feedback
• Ability to identify skill gaps and adjust training methods accordingly
• Strong attention to detail and quality
• Ability to work with employees at varying skill levels in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to effectively communicate and train across language barriers
• Prior experience successfully training or onboarding employees is strongly preferred

Industrial Sewing Equipment Experience:

• Single Needle Lockstitch
• Double Needle Lockstitch
• Zig Zag Lockstitch
• Overlock (Serger)
• Bar Tacker

Sewing Skills:

• General seaming (single needle stitch)
• Sewing straight lines and curves
• Edge stitching and topstitching
• Zigzag stitching on elastic
• Binding
• Double needle stitching
• Bar tacking
• Backstitching (2–3 stitches)

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Health Insurance
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid time off
• Company Holidays

Inclusion in Production Based Incentive Bonuses