Daniel Peter Ramon Nelson
Clinton,IA
Summary
Dynamic Training Lead at Nestlé Purina PetCare with a proven track record in developing and implementing effective onboarding programs. Expert in Poka system management and performance evaluation, recognized for enhancing training standards and achieving plantwide operational impact. Strong leadership skills foster cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement initiatives.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Training Lead
Nestlé Purina PetCare
12.2022 - Current
- Facilitate training programs including classroom instruction, on-the-floor skill development, and competency validation.
- Coordinate new hires with key trainers and team leaders to ensure effective onboarding and early skill readiness.
- Support the development and implementation of structured learning paths. Contributed to the plant becoming the first Purina facility to fully deploy learning paths.
- Identify training and performance gaps; develop targeted training solutions to reduce losses and strengthen capability.
- Manage, build, and sustain training standards to ensure consistency and compliance across operations.
- Conduct evaluations, key trainer verifications, and recertifications to maintain reliable training quality.
- Serve as Poka subject matter expert, supporting digital training tools, documentation, and standard maintenance.
- Participate in new associate orientation, reinforcing safety, quality, and cultural expectations.
- Support plant safety and quality initiatives by ensuring proper training documentation and compliance.
- Act as Principle of Operations (POO) system owner, guiding cross-functional teams in understanding equipment, workflows, and loss elimination.
- Certified Master Trainer, attended at St. Louis headquarters.
- Facilitated plantwide trainings.
- Five Talls Award recipient for training and operational impact.
- Implemented new training and operational standards adopted plantwide.
- Led deployment of learning path systems and strengthened training documentation.
- Developed Power Bi report displaying gaps for leadership teams.
- Onboarded and supervised progression for more than 30 new hires. Following training standards set before them.
- Recognized for presenting learning paths to St. Louis headquarters and additional VP’s.
Production Operator (E – B Rate)
Nestlé Purina PetCare
06.2017 - 12.2022
- Operate production equipment according to established procedures, safety standards, and quality requirements.
- Monitor machine performance, identify abnormalities, and make basic adjustments to maintain stable production.
- Perform routine checks such as inspecting materials, verifying proper equipment setup, and confirming correct settings.
- Follow all safety protocols, including PPE use, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and reporting unsafe conditions immediately.
- Maintain product quality by conducting visual inspections, completing quality checks, and documenting findings.
- Record production data accurately, including downtime, output, and variant.
- Perform basic troubleshooting and communicate issues to maintenance or supervisors when needed.
- Support sanitation and housekeeping, keeping work areas clean and compliant with TPM standards.
- Follow SOPs, work instructions, and operational standards, ensuring consistent and reliable execution.
- Collaborate with team members to meet production goals and ensure a smooth shift handoff.
- Participate in training and continuous improvement activities, using tools such as Poka, and attending IWG Meetings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IAAssociate of Arts -
North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC)
Mason CityHigh School Diploma -
Mason City High School
Mason City, IASkills
- Leadership & Team Direction
- Training & Onboarding
- Safety & Quality Compliance
- SOP Creation & Standardization
- Performance & Competency Evaluation
- TPM Knowledge
- Poka System Management
- Process Improvement
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Production Equipment Experience
- Power Bi
- Learning Path Deployment
- Train-the-Trainer
- Workshop Coordination
Certification
- Certified Master Trainer
- Fire Extinguisher & Fire Prevention Facilitator
- PEO Facilitator
- Poka System Expertise (SME)
Timeline
Training Lead
Nestlé Purina PetCare
12.2022 - Current
Production Operator (E – B Rate)
Nestlé Purina PetCare
06.2017 - 12.2022
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Northern Iowa
Associate of Arts -
North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC)
High School Diploma -
Mason City High School