Manager, Training and Development in Retailing

Recently, a major global retail chain posted a job listing for the position of Manager of Training and Development. The applicant chosen would work in New Jersey. Following is the position description placed at the National Retail Federation Job Board.

The Manager of Training and Development (MTD) is responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining best- in-class, innovative training and leadership programs that sup­port and develop the company’s talent within the Distribution Centers and within the Field/Store Leadership environment. The organizational development and learning team is high energy, creative, dynamic, and collaborative; it oversees talent development across the three business units of our company: retail, distribution, and global. The team is charged with pro­viding training to develop and support high-performing, highly engaged diverse teams. The MTD reports to the Executive Director, Organizational Development and Learning.

Key responsibilities include: Lead, manage, create, and execute training that meets the strategic needs of the business within the field leadership environment. Oversee the design, development, and delivery of training programs, including new- hire training, leadership training, customer service, management skills, and operational training. Ensure high-quality training curriculum and instruction. Consult with line-of-business lead­ers to identify performance needs for talent enhancement in relation to attainment of business goals. Evaluate effectiveness of learning and development programs, and providing direction. Assess, select, and manage vendor relationships. Translate iden­tified needs into training design and development of solutions to address performance gaps. Collaborate with colleagues and subject-matter experts to share best practices involving vari­ous learning programs, skills, and technologies. Select proper instructional approaches and delivery platforms, and tailor the learning modalities to maximize learning opportunities.

In addition, the MTD would: Facilitate group interactions such as meetings, seminars, workshops, and team meetings, and lead classroom and distance-learning sessions. Use technol­ogy to deliver and track training solutions. Produce metrics and evaluations for the global resource center in terms of learning and development. Consistently seek out cutting-edge training methodologies and best practices to implement.

The successful MTD will have: A bachelor’s degree. A graduate/advanced degree preferred. At least 7 years of work experience with solid career progression, including at least 3 years in learning program management, business, adult educa­tion, and/or consulting. Significant experience in developing, managing, delivering, and improving high-quality learning programs, including curriculum and materials design and pro­gram assessment tool. Effective problem-solving skills, an understanding of group and corporate dynamics, integrity, and the ability to employ sound judgment in complex situations. Excellent interpersonal and public communication and facilita­tion skills. Ability to work effectively with diverse clients at all levels in a large, complex, nonhierarchical firm, as well as ability to work with senior leaders in a corporate environment. Ability to influence leadership and work in a fast-pace envi­ronment. Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills and conflict resolution skills. Adaptability to changing priori­ties. Willingness to embrace creativity and new ideas. Strong project management experience with superb follow-up skills. Ability to design technology-based learning, self-study, virtual classrooms, and portal design. Reputation for commitment to building a high-performance culture.

Physical job requirements include: Most time spent sit­ting comfortably, with a frequent opportunity to move about. Occasionally requires walking for extended periods in the store and distribution center environment. Light lifting requirements. Requires overnight travel up to 20 percent of time.

Source: Barry Berman, Joel R Evans, Patrali Chatterjee (2017), Retail Management: A Strategic Approach, Pearson; 13th edition.

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