Job Title: New Hire Trainer
Location: Gainesville, GA
Department: Operations / Human
Reports To: Production Supervisor / HR Manager
Normal Work Schedule: The work schedule is determined by production demands and plant operations. This position requires flexibility to support various shifts, including weekends and extended hours as needed.
Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has made a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. Our purpose and promise of Great Food, Made Simple® drives us. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We proudly serve a broad portfolio of great-tasting, high-quality products sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Our wide array of national customers includes prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr., and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth, it now has annual sales of approximately $1 billion . The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and its headquarters in Tyler, Texas.
The New Hire Trainer is responsible for onboarding and training newly hired production employees to ensure they are properly introduced to the facility, understand job expectations, and are equipped to perform their duties safely and effectively. This role plays a critical part in creating a welcoming environment while reinforcing company standards related to safety, quality, and productivity. The New Hire Trainer works closely with supervisors, HR, and production teams to support employee integration and retention.
NOTE: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties to meet the organization’s ongoing needs; these duties are considered marginal.
The New Hire Trainer greets employees on their first day and ensures a positive onboarding experience. The role conducts facility tours and introduces new employees to supervisors, team leads , and plant management. The trainer completes all required onboarding documentation, including the New Hire In-Plant Orientation form, and ensures it is properly submitted to Human Resources.
The position issues personal protective equipment (PPE) and demonstrates the correct usage while emphasizing safety protocols. The New Hire Trainer provides detailed instruction on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and ensures new employees understand food safety and quality expectations.
The role introduces employees to their co-workers on the production line and provides hands-on training by demonstrating job tasks and working alongside employees. The trainer follows established work hardening protocols, including rotating employees during the first two to four weeks to reduce fatigue and prevent injuries, and coordinating weekly nurse visits during this period.
The New Hire Trainer supports employees during breaks and meal periods by guiding them through facility processes such as using the breakroom and micro market. The role promotes a positive and welcoming environment by using encouragement, positive reinforcement, and professional communication at all times .
The position answers employee questions, provides continuous guidance, and builds rapport with new hires to support engagement and retention. The trainer regularly rotates among new hires on the production floor to monitor progress and provide coaching. Daily updates on employee progress are communicated to supervisors and management.
Minimum Qualifications (Required)
The candidate must have the ability to perform or possess detailed knowledge of all positions on the production line. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required , along with the ability to train, coach, and motivate employees in a fast-paced environment. The individual must demonstrate patience, professionalism, and the ability to engage effectively with a diverse workforce. Basic understanding of food safety principles, including GMPs, is required . The candidate must be able to provide clear instructions and reinforce proper work techniques and safety practices.
Previous experience in training, onboarding, or leadership within a manufacturing or food processing environment is preferred. Bilingual English/Spanish skills are highly preferred to effectively communicate with the workforce.
This position operates within a food manufacturing environment and involves exposure to both hot and cold temperatures, wet conditions, and production equipment. The role requires compliance with all company safety policies, food safety standards, and PPE requirements.
The position requires standing and walking for extended periods of time, as well as frequent movement throughout the production floor. The employee must be able to demonstrate job tasks, assist employees with proper techniques, and perform repetitive motions as required in a manufacturing environment.
Work Location Requirement
This position is on-site in Gainesville, Georgia. The candidate must be able to reliably commute or relocate prior to starting employment.
The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following:
Soules Foods is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
