Learning and Development Specialist

Empire Cat•Mesa, AZ

12d

About The Position

The Learning and Development Specialist designs and delivers high-impact people-skills training for a multi-generational workforce across three states at Empire Southwest, a Caterpillar dealership. The role uses strong facilitation and modern adult-learning and microlearning strategies to create engaging, learner-centered experiences, elevate people-skills capability, improve learning transfer and return on investment, and support employee performance and organizational success. The position requires independence, adaptability, a collaborative approach, a proactive and solutions-focused mindset, and a passion for continuous improvement. The specialist is expected to model Empire’s values of safety, teamwork, astonishment, integrity, respect, stewardship, and excellence. The specialist promotes learning and development, especially in business professional, management, and leadership development; administers training plans and programs; and evaluates and improves courses for business relevance. The role maintains an understanding of Empire’s business and anticipated learning needs, incorporates input from Caterpillar and external contacts into course materials, and supports change management and cultural transformation. The position builds productive relationships across the workforce and fosters ownership and personal accountability. It requires travel, including approximately 75% travel between Nevada and Arizona, and attendance at Train the Trainer courses for certification on specific subject matter.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
At least 5 years of experience in a corporate learning function managing the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of learning and development programs.
Functional expertise in assessment, evaluation, training-needs analysis, organizational systems, and internal consulting.
Knowledge of Adult Learning Theory and ability to research trends and best practices.
Strong negotiation skills and project management experience.
Ability to make clear and persuasive presentations and build credibility quickly with all levels of the organization.
Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, address problems, drive results, maintain focus, and accomplish objectives with urgency.
Strategic and systems thinking skills; flexibility, creativity, and ability to grasp complex concepts and execute ideas.
Excellent written and spoken communication skills with individuals and small or large groups.
Ability to meet safety requirements and use required safety equipment.
Ability to maintain consistent attendance.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to speak, read, comprehend, and write in English.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field, or equivalent years of experience specializing in Human Resources, Training, or Organizational Development.
Experience with instructional design.
Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Promote Learning and Development, with a specific focus on Business Professional, Management, and Leadership Development.
Administer training plans, procedures, and programs that address organizational training needs.
Attend Train the Trainer courses to obtain certification in specific subject matter.
Maintain knowledge of Empire’s business and anticipate future learning and development needs based on business realities and organizational shifts; recommend changes as needed.
Evaluate existing courses on an ongoing basis and ensure continuous improvement and business relevance.
Build and foster relationships with Caterpillar and external client contacts, incorporating their input into course materials as appropriate.
Drive change management and business cultural transformation efforts to promote a learning environment.
Build and foster relationships with the Empire workforce to support success in the role.
Create an environment of ownership and personal accountability for performance.
Work safely, follow applicable safety policies, and comply with company policies, procedures, and standards.
Travel to outlying locations as needed, including approximately 75% travel between Nevada and Arizona.
Perform other duties as assigned by Leadership and promote corporate values.