Sr. Training and Development Specialist

Merchants Bonding Company•West Des Moines, IA

40d

About The Position

The Sr. Training & Development Specialist leads the design, delivery, and evaluation of learning programs that strengthen associate capability and drive business outcomes. This associate partners with internal leaders and external vendors to align learning initiatives with strategic goals and foster a culture of continuous growth. The role is responsible for managing and optimizing the Learning Management System (LMS) and streamlining training operations to ensure consistency and scalability. Additionally, the specialist proactively identifies capability gaps, recommends targeted development strategies, and contributes to broader organizational learning efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline; or equivalent work experience
Minimum of 5 years of experience in training, learning and development, or a related human resources function
Demonstrated success in leading training and development initiatives at the organizational level
Experience designing, facilitating, and evaluating training programs for diverse audiences

Nice To Haves

Experience working with learning management systems (LMS) and instructional design software
Curiosity and experience around leveraging AI tools in Learning and Development
Professional certifications in training, facilitation, or instructional design (e.g., SHRM, CPTD, ATD, or similar)
Experience managing vendor relationships or external training partners

Responsibilities

Lead the design and delivery of learning programs that build associate capabilities and support business outcomes
Facilitate high-impact training sessions across multiple formats (in-person, virtual, hybrid) for diverse audiences and roles
Partner with subject matter experts and leaders to co-create relevant, timely, and engaging learning content
Integrate adult learning principles and instructional design standards into all content creation and facilitation efforts
Explore, evaluate, and leverage innovative learning tools-including AI applications-to continuously enhance the relevance, efficiency, and impact of training delivery.
Oversee day-to-day management of the Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring content accuracy, user access, and data integrity
Evaluate training effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative data to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate learning impact
Identify development gaps and recommend strategies that align with organizational priorities, culture goals, and performance trends
Serve as a peer coach and trusted learning advisor to associates and presenters, strengthening facilitation and communication practices
Collaborate with department managers to assess role-specific learning needs and co-develop targeted development plans
Monitor key learning metrics and use insights to support strategic workforce development decisions
Partner with department leaders to assess training needs and develop comprehensive training plans for new associates
Coordinate and facilitate onboarding sessions to ensure consistent, high-quality experiences for new hires
Manage onboarding logistics by assigning required learning in the LMS and ensuring training content remains accurate and relevant
Review and refresh onboarding materials in collaboration with HR and business stakeholders
Maintain accurate training records, attendance data, and program documentation
Track budget usage for assigned programs and communicate with leadership to align on spend and vendor activity
Prepare reports and summaries on training participation, effectiveness, and trends
Contribute to companywide learning initiatives as needed, including compliance rollouts, LMS enhancements, and exploration of emerging tools and technologies that support scalable learning.