Workforce Development & Safety Specialist

Job Title: Workforce Development & Safety Specialist
Location: Mishawaka
Reports To: Director of Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt

About United Petfood:

United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry & wet pet food, biscuits and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens in Europe and the US.

Joining us, means joining an international, passionate and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! But it doesn’t stop there: we truly care about building encouraging, supportive, long-lasting partnerships, both inside as well as outside of our fast-growing family company. By only working with the very best ingredients and most innovative technology available, we ensure a spot in which you can grow, bloom and make thousands of pets happy worldwide!

Position Summary:
United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is seeking a proactive and people-focused Workforce Development and Safety Specialist to lead employee training initiatives and ensure the highest standards of workplace safety. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining training programs that strengthen workforce capability, compliance, and engagement while overseeing safety programs that protect employees and support operational excellence. The ideal candidate combines strong leadership skills, a passion for employee development, and expertise in safety systems within a manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and oversee site-wide training programs for production, safety, and compliance requirements.
• Partner with department leaders to identify skill gaps and create tailored training plans to enhance workforce performance.
• Lead onboarding and orientation programs to ensure new employees are properly trained in safety, GMP, and operational procedures.
• Oversee safety programs, including hazard assessments, incident investigations, corrective actions, and compliance with OSHA and other regulatory standards.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives related to workforce development and safety culture.
• Maintain accurate training and safety records for audits, inspections, and internal reporting.
• Coordinate annual training calendars and ensure timely completion of mandatory certifications.
• Facilitate safety meetings, toolbox talks, and employee feedback sessions to reinforce best practices.
• Collaborate with HR and Operations to design career pathing and upskilling opportunities that support employee retention and growth.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by aligning training and safety strategies with operational goals.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Human Resources, Training & Development, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in workforce development, training, or safety supervision in a manufacturing or CPG environment.
• Experience leading employee training programs and maintaining safety compliance in regulated industries.
• OSHA 30, Safety Professional certification, or equivalent credentials preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, GMPs, and food safety compliance.
• Experience developing training content and delivering programs across multiple workforce levels.
• Effective communicator with excellent presentation, coaching, and facilitation skills.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to build trust and influence employees at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and learning management systems (LMS).
• Hands-on, collaborative approach with a commitment to fostering a safe and engaged workplace.

Work Environment:

• This position operates in both an office and manufacturing plant environment.
• Must be able to wear required PPE and work in temperature-variable, noisy, and industrial environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer: United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.