Operational Skills Specialist
| POST LOCATION: |
Magheralin, Northern Ireland |
| ACCOUNTABLE TO: |
Operations Technical Specialist |
| LOOKING FOR: |
The Operational Skills Specialist will take a strategic approach to training, assessing the skills and knowledge within the organisation and determining what training is needed to grow and retain these skills. Offering guidance and support to the departmental management teams to ensure our employees are competent to undertake their day-to-day activities and are developed to reach their full potential.
You will deliver and co-ordinate training modules and develop the training processes and plans for the business, guided by the Technical Specialists and supported by the Training & HR Officer, Department Managers, Shift Managers and Cell Leads. Conduct follow-up studies of all completed training to evaluate and measure results.
To apply for this role:
Please submit your CV by Thursday, 30th October 2025
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Leprino is the world’s largest mozzarella producer. You will have the chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world.
Our success is built on the dedication of our incredible employees, and we believe in sharing that success with you. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Your impact will be noticed and appreciated as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND MEASURES OF SUCCESS
Relationship Development
- Maintain a level of presence in the Production, Processing & Whey areas to assist the Team Leaders and Operational Skills Specialist in improving technical capabilities and understanding of processes.
- Liaise regularly and develop good communication links with subject matter experts from within the wider business
- Develop collaborative relationships with the onsite Training and HR Officer and Learning and Development Lead, for support while also drawing on their knowledge and expertise.
- Ability to deliver the training effectively to all trainees
- Build positive relationships with other departments, utilising these positive relationships to assist with the delivery of effective training programmes and the success of team development.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Site Management, establishing strong communication links and accurate provision of information to support the continuous improvement of the site.
People/Team
- Support Departmental and Shift Managers/Team Leaders to solve specific training problems, either on a one-to-one basis or in groups.
- Engage at all levels within the business, ensuring training is delivered effectively to encourage a Learning and Development culture.
- Assist with the provision of information to support any external audits
Operational Excellence/Continuous Improvement
- Ensure Process Standard Operating Procedures (PSOP’s) are current and reflect best practice.
- Develop training modules from scratch (from the initial idea through planning, implementation, review and outcomes analysis), working closely with and influencing of stakeholders.
- To deliver training to groups or individuals via a range of methods such as online, face-to-face classroom, job shadowing and written modules.
- To develop and carry out competency assessments for any relevant training modules
- Conduct audits of all completed training to evaluate and measure results.
- Evaluate training and development programmes, and prepare reports for management in areas such as engagement and performance.
- Amend and revise programmes as necessary, to adapt to changes occurring in the work environment and industry developments & regulations.
- Compiling daily, weekly, and manufacturing reports using Microsoft software and a learning management system. Creating relevant documents to attend, where necessary, meetings to present results and provide feedback on topics.
- Promote Continuous Improvement and, as part of the team, proactively seek new and improved methods of working to increase efficiency in the overall production process. Promote the CI culture and actively participate in events as required, whilst supporting any business-led initiatives.
- Facilitate the development and promotion of an open culture of pro-activity where people take pride and responsibility in what they do and feel a sense of involvement and self-worth.
- Ensure all information is cascaded and delivered in a timely and appropriate manner. Holding regular communication briefs with shift teams to relay key business information against training targets to date, whilst answering and/or collating any questions and concerns.
- Working with learning management systems to upload online learning materials, competency assessments, evaluate completion and troubleshoot problems.
Responsible Care
- Promote and support the development of an effective and proactive safety culture on site, with the whole team working to identify and eliminate hazards.
- Ensure that each improvement is appropriately assessed to consider Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) factors by involving the necessary resources to complete risk assessments and safe systems of work.
- Undertake any other duties as considered by the company to be within the scope of the role.
ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE CRITERIA
| CRITERIA |
ESSENTIAL |
DESIRABLE |
| Physical |
No health issues are likely to preclude employment in the dairy industry |
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| Qualifications and Training |
- A minimum if 4 GCSEs or equivalent
(Grade C or above), including Mathematics and English.
- Train the Trainer qualification.
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- Work-based Assessors qualification.
- Training or qualifications in adult education.
- IOSH or NEBOSH
- Certified to deliver training in:
- Manual Handling
- Food Safety
- Health & Safety
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| Relevant Experience |
- Experience of delivery of classroom-based learning
- Experience of one-to-one delivery of training
- A minimum of 2 Years post-qualification L&D experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Diverse communication and interpersonal experience, with the ability to adapt your communication style/method to effectively reach the audience
- Experience in designing training programmes and delivering training to a variety of job levels
- Ability to compile reports for regulatory and customer review
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- Experience gained within a food company
- Track record in assessing
- Track record of internal verification
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Specialist Knowledge
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- Good experience of working to system standards for compliance.
- Good understanding and working knowledge of customer audits.
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- Knowledge of the occupational area
- Experience of working with/to H&S and Food Safety systems, namely ISO45001 and BRC.
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| Skills and Abilities |
- Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical, organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise effectively.
- Able to work on own initiative.
- Ability to adopt a variety of approaches dependent upon the situation and context.
- Proficient in MS Office, databases and online resources.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
- Good influencing skills
- Strong people management skills, including the ability to coach and develop others.
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- Coaching and/or mentoring
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| Qualities & Behaviours |
- Self motivated
- Proactive
- Assertive
- Teamwork orientated
- Approachable
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| Additional Requirements or Circumstances |
- Commitment and enthusiasm
- Sensitive to the concerns of learners
- Flexibility approach to learner needs.
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- Willingness to undertake further self-development.
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PLEASE NOTE:
The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the criteria to support the shortlisting process.
To apply for this role, please submit your CV by Friday, 30th October 2025
Leprino is an equal opportunity employer.
