Learning and Development Specialist Job

The Learning and Development Specialist – Instructional Designer collaborates with the Learning and Development team to design engaging learning modules, programs, resources and events that ensure Harbor Freight can develop and retain talent and create a culture of learning. This role utilizes utilize instructional design and performance improvement processes to analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate eLearnings and Instructor Led Trainings. The Instructional Designer works directly with key stakeholders and subject matter experts to design and develop eLearning/Instructor Led Training that incorporates instructional design principles and adult learner training methodologies to effectively address the business needs. The Learning and Development Specialist – Instructional Designer has ownership of all instructional materials to ensure that instructional quality is built into the final project deliverables.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate discovery meetings and conduct interviews to confirm business needs and translate those needs into concrete options for learning opportunities.
• Work with business partners to define learning solution objectives to ensure the impact can be measured and is linked to business goals.
• Must be flexible in a fast-paced work environment where priorities are constantly changing
• Display a passion for training and contribute to creating an open, fun culture of learning
• Exceptional facilitation and interpersonal skills are a must.
• Facilitate the design session with key stakeholders, subject matter experts and project teams
• Write concise, creative and effective instruction. Course deliverables include design documents, storyboards, prototypes, instructor and participant material
• Create project documentation including the design templates, standards, style guides, technical specifications, train-the-trainer and pilot materials
• Work directly with subject matter experts to capture course-specific knowledge
• Ensure that learning solutions incorporate best practices in adult learning theory
• Propose, design and champion innovative learning solutions
• Ensure the final project deliverables are the highest quality
• Design, develop and implement measurement and evaluation strategies to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of learning solutions on performance
• Research and suggest the best educational resources outside the company such as MOOCs, TED TALKS certification courses, and universities
• Provide input into work plan creation, advising on the length of time required to design, develop and complete learning solutions
• Analyze current state environment, including analysis of performance gaps and job/task/needs analysis. Synthesize the data gathered to create models and recommendations.
• Other duties as assigned

Scope

• Staff supervision and development – No
• Decision Making – Provides data for decision support; provides consultation or expert advice; maintains confidential information
• Travel – Limited
• Location – Corporate HQ / Remote

Job Qualifications – Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, preferably in Education, Instructional Design, or related subject preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an Instructional Designer or similar role
• Proven track record in learning and development, with experience in developing, designing, and implementing engaging curricula for a variety of audiences in a range of formats

Job Qualifications – Skills

• Exceptional planning, organization, coordination and collaboration skills
• High level of professionalism, presence and credibility
• Demonstrated teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Project management experience
• Self-motivated, positive and agile attitude
• Multimedia experience
• Experience with a large employee base of 20,000+ employees
• Knowledge of emerging and progressive ID techniques and strategies
• Possess a strong sense of design as demonstrated in print materials, media, and eLearning examples
• Experience working in a Learning Management System (LMS)
• High comfort level with technology and ability to quickly learn and utilize new software applications
• Demonstrated research and analysis skills
• Strong consulting capability with strong interpersonal, presentation, and facilitation skills
• Strong level of professionalism and credibility; able to effectively challenge and influence peers and customers
• Familiarity with current learning and performance improvement industry standards, approaches, and innovations. Connected with professional organizations and maintains accessibility to industry resource.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Keen sense of urgency and ability to manage stress and strict deadlines
• A passion for learning & development

Software Experience

• Articulate 360 (Rise, Peek, Review etc.)
• Articulate Storyline
• Microsoft Office – PowerPoint, Word, Excel
• Knowledge of Adobe creative Suite

Physical Requirements
General office environment requiring ability to:

• stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time
• Speak and listen to others in person, via digital meeting (such as Zoom) and over the phone
• use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports
• lift up to 15 lbs.

Safety

• Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and without endangering the health or safety of self or others

We’re a family-owned business with over 45 years as a national tool retailer, and with the energy, enthusiasm, and growth potential of a start-up. We are a $7 billion company with over 1,450 stores in 48 states, 27,000+ Associates, and one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country.