Manufacturing Process & Learning Advisor

The Manufacturing Process & Learning Advisor is responsible for documenting, improving, standardizing, and sustaining manufacturing processes.

This role works closely with production employees, supervisors, QA/QC, engineering, and leadership to understand how work is performed, identify opportunities for improvement, and translate operational knowledge into repeatable processes, standard work, training, and performance support tools.

Success in this role requires the ability to understand the desired operational outcome, work backward to define the process, identify gaps and risks, and build sustainable systems that help employees perform work safely, consistently, and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Knowledge Capture & Process Standardization

Interview subject matter experts and employees to capture critical operational knowledge and best practices. Convert into practical role and process SOP, work instructions, process maps, job aids, and visual management tools.
Support new hire training, cross-training, and quality assurance and control initiatives.
Support operational systems and technologies, including tools such as MES/ERP systems where applicable.
Ensure documented processes reflect actual operations and remain current as changes occur.

Process Improvement & Change Management

Identify process gaps, risks, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement. Partner with manufacturing leadership to improve quality, safety, productivity, consistency, training, and scalability.
Help implement and sustain process improvements through documentation, communication, training, and follow-up.
Design controls, verification steps, and double-check systems that improve process reliability and reduce errors.

Stakeholder Partnership

Build strong working relationships with employees, supervisors, leaders, and technical experts.
Work independently to gather information, drive projects forward, and determine appropriate solutions.
Exercise sound judgment regarding when to act independently and when clarification or alignment is needed.

Qualifications

Required

5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, quality, engineering, or a related environment.
Demonstrated experience analyzing, documenting, standardizing, and improving operational or manufacturing processes.
Experience facilitating discussions with subject matter experts and translating operational knowledge into repeatable systems and documentation.
Experience creating process maps, workflows, SOPs, work instructions, visual controls, or similar operational documentation.

Preferred

Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, Kaizen, Continuous Improvement, or equivalent process improvement experience. Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred.
Experience with manufacturing software, workflow tools, or platforms such as QuickBase.

Key Competencies

Manufacturing operations and standardization
Knowledge capture and transfer
Process analysis and systems thinking
Continuous improvement
Documentation and technical writing
Change management
Relationship building and influence
Self-direction and accountability
Document Control

Success Measures

Manufacturing processes are documented, understood, and consistently executed.
Critical operational knowledge is retained and transferable across the organization.
Employees reach competency faster and cross-training improves.
Process changes are effectively communicated, adopted, and sustained.
Quality, safety, productivity, and consistency improve through stronger process discipline.

Benefits

At WPI our employees are our greatest asset. We put our people first and are proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our employees at every stage of life.

In our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive personally and professionally, we offer:

Competitive pay
Incentive bonus plan
401(k) retirement savings plan with match
Medical, prescription drug, dental and vision insurance plans with flexible spending account option