Senior Learning & Development Specialist - Islandia Corporate Office

Whitsons is seeking a dynamic individual to join our Learning and Development team as a Senior Learning & Development Specialist. If you are passionate about training, development, and elevating our workforce, this position is for you!

SUMMARY:

The Learning & Development (L&D) function is dedicated to improving employee skills, knowledge, and performance through targeted training, development programs, and ongoing learning initiatives that support business objectives. As a Senior Learning & Development Specialist, you will oversee the design, delivery, and administration of enterprise-wide learning programs, with a primary emphasis on managing Whitsons' Learning Management System (LMS). This role will also partner closely with business leaders to develop high-quality training content, facilitate learning experiences, and support key organizational development priorities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

LMS Administration:

Serve as the primary administrator for Whitsons' Learning Management Systems (LMS), including:

• Overseeing configuration, maintenance, updates, and overall system performance.

• Creating and updating course structures, certifications, learning paths, and user groups.

• Conducting annual catalog and curriculum reviews with Operations and FSQA to ensure alignment with USDA, FSQA, and regulatory requirements.

• Ensuring compliance with required training and maintaining data accuracy, user access, and enrollment processes.

• Maintaining the enterprise learning calendar and coordinating logistics for training delivery.

• Generating dashboards, reports, and analytical insights to measure training effectiveness.

• Serving as the primary liaison with LMS vendors and internal support teams.

Training Coordination:

• Schedule, organize, and facilitate learning sessions, ensuring all materials, technology, and logistics are prepared for both virtual and in-person events.

Content Creation & Training Design:

• Design and develop high-quality learning content including presentations, facilitator guides, assessments, job aids, microlearning, videos, and eLearning.

• Partner with Operations, HRBPs, SMEs, and business leaders to assess training needs and recommend scalable learning solutions.

• Convert complex, technical, and compliance information into learner-friendly and engaging experiences.

• Ensure content aligns with adult learning principles, accessibility standards, and Whitsons' brand and instructional guidelines.

Training Facilitation:

• Lead engaging training sessions, workshops, and development programs—both in-person and virtually.

• Facilitate enterprise-wide learning initiatives and coach managers in applying training concepts on the job.

• Promote a culture of continuous learning across the organization by increasing visibility of development resources.

Leadership & Employee Development:

• Design and deliver leadership development experiences for emerging and frontline leaders.

• Facilitate programs that enhance communication, coaching, accountability, service excellence, and core leadership competencies.

• Partner with leaders to integrate development practices into everyday operations.

New Hire Onboarding:

• Design and implement structured onboarding curricula, learning plans, and role-specific training paths that strengthen the Day 1–90 employee experience.

• Partner with TA and Onboarding teams to ensure a consistent experience across regions.

• Monitor onboarding outcomes and recommend continuous improvements.

Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement:

• Evaluate learning programs using assessments, analytics, surveys, and participant feedback.

• Recommend and implement modifications that enhance engagement, learning retention, and overall program quality.

• Maintain and ensure that all L&D content and documentation in the Virtual Manual remain up-to-date and accurate.

Special Projects:

• Lead or support L&D initiatives, system implementations, and cross-functional projects as assigned.

• Provide direction, leadership, and project management for new and existing L&D initiatives.

• Perform other incidental and/or related duties as assigned.

This role offers a salary range of $80,000 – $85,000 annually, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, and paid holidays.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education

• Bachelor's degree in education, Instructional Technology, Learning, Organizational Psychology, or a related field required.

Certifications

• SHRM PHR or SPHR (or equivalent) preferred.

Experience

• 3+ years of progressive experience in L&D, training, or organizational development.
• Experience administering learning management systems.
• Experience with instructional design methodology and adult learning principles.
• Spanish fluency preferred.
• Knowledge of the food service industry and child nutrition programs a plus

Technical Proficiency

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Experience with eLearning authoring tools (e.g., Lectora, Articulate Storyline, Captivate).
• Experience with graphics/photo editing tools (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator).

Competencies

• Communication: Excellent interpersonal, listening, writing, and verbal communication skills; ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Decision-Making: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; takes initiative; prioritizes effectively.
• Execution: Action-oriented with excellent follow-through; able to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail.
• Partnership & Relationship Building: Strong collaboration skills; able to influence, motivate, and work effectively across teams.
• Project Management: The ability to plan, organize, and execute tasks and resources effectively to deliver projects on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Strategic Ability: Forward-thinking approach; able to organize complex information into clear plans.
• Business Analytics: The ability to interpret data, identify trends, and generate insights that inform decision-making and drive operational and strategic improvements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS

Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time exempt position. Days and hours of work are generally Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. As an exempt position, it is expected that Team Member will devote whatever time necessary to accomplish the goals and responsibilities. This may require extended work hours, evening, and/or weekend work.

Travel Requirements:

Some travel may be required. Most traveling will be confined to day trips in the region but from time-to-time, may also include overnight stays as well.

Physical Demands of the Job:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.