Learning & Development Specialist

Position Summary:

Are you passionate about empowering others and making a lasting impact on organizational success? We are seeking a dynamic Learning & Development Specialist to join our team and play a pivotal role in advancing our comprehensive Learning & Development strategy and brand. In this highly collaborative, facilitation focused position, you will collaborate with internal customers across all levels of the organization to design and deliver engaging, foundational, and cutting-edge training programs that build and foster professional growth. The focus of this role is to lead training initiatives primarily within the manufacturing segment, with opportunities to expand your impact by facilitating sessions for Sales and Corporate audiences as needed. You will be working closely with stakeholders in the US, Canada, and Mexico/LATAM to ensure training initiatives are aligned with our business strategy. In this role you will utilize your facilitation expertise and evaluation data to drive engagement, productivity, and performance. This position will report to the Sr. Manager, Learning & Development.
Preferred candidates are in the Chicagoland area, reporting to the Corporate office as part of our current hybrid work model. Location flexibility is at the sole discretion of the hiring manager.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

Includes the following and performs additional responsibilities as assigned:
• Facilitation of foundational and innovative training programs
• Lead full life cycle of session management including LMS, roster/attendance management, course facilitation, post session evaluation, and reinforcement of application of key course concepts.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and deliver effective learning experiences.
• Regularly conduct needs analysis leveraging evaluation tools, industry trends, best practices, and proven development methods.
• Study evaluation data and metrics to establish measurable KPIs and demonstrate ROI.
• Manage vendor relationships.
• Create a productive learning environment, allowing for exploration, discussion, and application of content.
• Establish communication strategy to drive awareness of development opportunities and reinforce key learning objectives.
• Build strong relationships from front line employees through the executive team.
• Anchor learning programs and experiences to our strategy and leadership competencies.
• Implement various learning methods companywide (coaching, job-shadowing, quick reference guides, etc.).
• Provide training using a range of learning experiences, including Instructor-led training (ILT), Virtual Instructor-led Training (VILT), interactive e-learning modules, videos, job aids, gamification, Podcasts, etc.

Key Qualifications:


Education
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent field experience

Travel Requirements
• Ability to travel 50%+


Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, organizational development, or related field.
• Three+ years of proven experience facilitating training or as a learning and development specialist
• Facilitation experience in a manufacturing environment preferred

Required Skills:

• Strong passion and interest in helping others develop and grow.
• Self-driven, with the ability to collaborate and seek feedback while staying on goal.
• Ability to work independently when appropriate.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong relationship management skills
• Strong project management skills
• Articulate 360 (Storyline & Rise)
• Proven experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating impactful training programs in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to adapt message and content to a variety of audiences.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of our organization’s products, services, customers, competitors, and proven sales techniques.
• Willingness and ability to learn and implement development technologies
• Adept with a variety of multimedia training platforms and methods
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Experience with Learning Management System (LMS) - Cornerstone OnDemand a plus

Rate of pay may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

USG employees enjoy a number of benefit options for themselves and their families. These include two medical insurance options, as well as vision and dental coverage. The cost of these optional programs varies based on coverage level - employees generally pay 25% of the monthly premium cost, USG pays the rest. These coverage options are offered on the first day of employment with no waiting period.

Additionally, USG employees enjoy both a 401(k) Investment Plan with company match and a pension plan. Beyond these main features, employees may also choose from a number of additional programs like life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, even pet insurance, just to name a few. USG also offers Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential for all employees based on performance metrics tied to safety, quality, and productivity.  USG also provides employees with paid time off and paid holidays.

Since 1902, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in producing innovative, award-winning products and systems to build everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to home improvements. USG's employees are committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality in everything we do. Our steadfast commitment to the company's core business values – innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, efficiency and safety – have helped us become the company we are today.

  EOE including disability/veteran