Manufacturing Training Specialist

Location: Surrey, BC

Reports To: Learning Program Manager

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Training Specialist is a key member of IEM's Talent Development function, responsible for designing, delivering, and continuously improving technical and operational training programs in our manufacturing facilities. This role directly supports IEM's commitment to workforce capability, operational excellence, and a culture of continuous learning. Working in close partnership with Production, Engineering, Quality, and EHS leadership, the Training Specialist ensures that employees are proficient, certified, and current in the skills required to perform their roles safely and to the highest quality standards — including wiring, assembly, fabrication, inspection, and standardized work practices.

Reporting to the Learning Program Manager, the ideal candidate brings hands-on manufacturing experience, a deep understanding of adult learning principles, and the ability to translate complex technical content into engaging, effective training solutions. This individual thrives in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment and is passionate about developing people and driving measurable performance outcomes across multiple value streams.

Location

• The position is fully onsite role in our Surrey, British Columbia facilities; but may require up to 10% travel to IEM facilities and occasional international travel to the United States.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver Instructor-Led & Hands-On Training Facilitate engaging, effective training sessions across a range of formats including classroom instruction, on-the-floor demonstrations, and one-on-one coaching. Conduct practical instruction in areas such as wiring techniques, assembly standards, tool usage, inspection methods, and standardized work practices.
• Assess & Certify Employee Competency Evaluate employee readiness through structured practical assessments and knowledge checks prior to task qualification or certification sign-off. Ensure all employees meet defined proficiency standards before performing work independently.
• Drive Training Effectiveness & Continuous Improvement Apply evaluation frameworks (e.g., Kirkpatrick Model) to measure training impact and identify gaps. Leverage performance data, quality metrics, and learner feedback to continuously refine training content, delivery methods, and outcomes.
• Partner with Operations & Production Leadership Work closely with Production Managers, Supervisors, and cross-functional teams to conduct training needs analyses, prioritize skill gaps, and ensure training initiatives are aligned with current production goals, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Reinforce Safety, Quality & Standardized Work Champion a culture of safety and quality excellence by consistently reinforcing EHS compliance, standardized work practices, and quality expectations throughout all training interactions on the production floor.
• Maintain Training Records & LMS Administration Maintain accurate and audit-ready training records including participant progress, competency evaluations, and program completion. Manage LMS scheduling, session setup, and learner transcript updates in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

Supervision of Personnel

• This role will not be responsible for supervision/management of other people.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors level degree or equivalent in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing, Education, Organizational Development, or a related field — or equivalent combination of technical training and hands-on manufacturing experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, with direct involvement in wiring, assembly, fabrication, or quality control functions.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and standardized work instructions.
• Experience delivering instructor-led, hands-on, or technical training in a production setting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Employees must have completed at least 3 months of employment in their current department.

Preferred

• Experience with a Learning Management System (LMS) for scheduling, record-keeping, and learner transcript management.
• Knowledge of quality systems, inspection standards, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, or continuous improvement principles.
• Experience working with electrical distribution equipment.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods (estimated 60–70% of working time).
• Frequently required to sit for periods of desk-based work including training preparation, LMS administration, and documentation (estimated 30–40% of working time).
• Occasionally required to bend, crouch, or kneel to observe or demonstrate tasks at workstations on the production floor.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, or move training materials or equipment weighing up to 25 lbs. (approx. 11 kg).
• Requires close visual acuity for extended periods, including reading schematics, reviewing detailed work instructions, and working on a computer screen.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) while on the production floor, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety footwear.