Training & Development Specialist, Operations

The Training & Development Specialist is responsible for delivering best-in-class training programs focused on Operations Management in wholesale distribution for POOLCORP employees. In addition to regularly delivering in-person and virtual Operations training, this position will engage stakeholders in the development of new programs, coordinate and work with guest facilitators, and partner with instructional designers to continuously improve program delivery and results. This role will also provide coaching and mentorship to participants in our manager-in-training (MIT) program. The Training & Development Specialist will play a key role delivering training that prepares POOLCORP employees to excel in their careers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accountable for the delivery of multiple Operations training programs, including our Manager-in-Training (MIT) program, New to Operations Management and Virtual Operations training, focused on basic to advanced operations management processes and best practices. 
• Creates and/or acquires training manuals, guides, and course materials to develop instructor-led, web-based, and asynchronous training for all Poolcorp business units.
• Presents operations training and development programs using various forms and formats including demonstration, group discussion, lecture, simulations, and videos.
• Creates and maintains operations best practices and procedures, develops individual coaching plans, and provides resources and assistance, including RF gun orientation, cycle counting, receiving, and put away, “daily, weekly, monthly” priorities, and other hands-on activities for new and existing employees.
• Observes assignments and practical application activities; assesses attendee performance to provide feedback/results to trainees and managers to improve operations management skills.
• Coordinates with co-facilitators, instructional design team, vendors, and internal/external subject matter experts to ensure best-in-class program delivery.
• Regularly interacts with Operations Managers, the Operations Support Team, and field leadership to stay abreast of latest trends and policies.
• Collaborates with participant managers and field leadership to share progress, address gaps, and coach/council students on career development objectives.
• Communicates regularly with field management at sales center locations to ensure compliance with agreed upon learning objectives for the trainees.
• Works with IT and Operations leadership to ensure ERP and customer-facing technologies are accurately taught to trainees.
• Collaborates with Instructional design team and other stakeholders on potential online training offerings.
• Evaluates program effectiveness through assessments, surveys, and feedback.
• Maintains records of training and development activities, attendance, results of tests and assessments, and retraining requirements.
• Implements training budget; maintains records and reports of expenses.
• Maintains knowledge of the latest trends in Sales training and development.
• Performs other related duties as required, including assistance with administrative duties and logistics for in-person classes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience required.
• Degree or certification in Operations, Supply Chain, Distribution Management, or similar experience preferred.
• At least two years of experience with in-person facilitation and training preferred.
• Proven ability to develop others through positive motivation and training.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills; ability to communicate complex concepts in plain language.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with a variety of multimedia training platforms and methods.
• Ability to partner with co-facilitators and design team to research and evaluate training options and implement effective solutions. 
• Capacity to collaborate and build rapport and relationships with employees at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues, managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with Workday, Outlook, Adobe, the Microsoft Office Suite, and Microsoft TEAMs preferred.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to Sr. Manager, Talent Management, based in Clearwater, Florida.
• Part of a national team of ten L&D professionals located in Tampa and across the U.S.
• Will regularly interact with Field managers, participants, leadership, the Talent Development team, HR, IT, and all POOLCORP employees.

LOCATION AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position based in Clearwater, FL
  • 2024 – Q2 2025: 40% travel required to current training center in Plano, TX
  • Q3 2025 and beyond: located in state-of-the-art new building in Clearwater, FL

Bilingual, Military, Military Spouses and Veteran applicants are strongly encouraged to apply! Currently, POOLCORP has over one hundred and twenty military personnel serving on our team. We understand the uniqueness of hiring military personnel and veterans and will support him/her in the time of duty or with the transition into new civilian professions. 

All offers to external candidates for employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment drug testing and background verifications before employment is finalized.

POOLCORP, including all its subsidiaries, is a drug-free company and Equal Opportunity Employer – By Choice. The Company understands, respects, and values diversity – unique styles, experiences, identities, ideas, and opinions – while striving to be inclusive of all people. This commitment is critical to our success as a global company as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Hiring and promotional decisions are based solely on the qualifications required for the job to be filled.