Whitsons Culinary Group
Senior Learning & Development Specialist
Whitsons Culinary Group, Grandyle Village, New York, United States
About the Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
LMS Administration
Serve as the primary administrator for Whitsons’ LMS, overseeing configuration, maintenance, updates, and overall system performance.
Create and update course structures, certifications, learning paths, and user groups.
Conduct annual catalog and curriculum reviews with Operations and FSQA to ensure alignment with USDA, FSQA, and regulatory requirements.
Ensure compliance with required training, maintain data accuracy, user access, and enrollment processes.
Maintain the enterprise learning calendar and coordinate logistics for training delivery.
Generate dashboards, reports, and analytical insights to measure training effectiveness.
Serve 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.
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.
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.
Qualifications
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).
Key Competencies :
Excellent interpersonal, listening, writing, and verbal communication skills; ability to maintain confidentiality.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; takes initiative; prioritizes effectively.
Action-oriented with excellent follow-through; able to multitask in a fast-paced environment; strong attention to detail.
Strong collaboration skills; able to influence, motivate, and work effectively across teams.
Project management: 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: ability to interpret data, identify trends, and generate insights that inform decision-making and drive operational and strategic improvements.
Position is full-time, mid-senior level. Salary range: $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.
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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.
Key Responsibilities
LMS Administration
Serve as the primary administrator for Whitsons’ LMS, overseeing configuration, maintenance, updates, and overall system performance.
Create and update course structures, certifications, learning paths, and user groups.
Conduct annual catalog and curriculum reviews with Operations and FSQA to ensure alignment with USDA, FSQA, and regulatory requirements.
Ensure compliance with required training, maintain data accuracy, user access, and enrollment processes.
Maintain the enterprise learning calendar and coordinate logistics for training delivery.
Generate dashboards, reports, and analytical insights to measure training effectiveness.
Serve 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.
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.
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.
Qualifications
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).
Key Competencies :
Excellent interpersonal, listening, writing, and verbal communication skills; ability to maintain confidentiality.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; takes initiative; prioritizes effectively.
Action-oriented with excellent follow-through; able to multitask in a fast-paced environment; strong attention to detail.
Strong collaboration skills; able to influence, motivate, and work effectively across teams.
Project management: 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: ability to interpret data, identify trends, and generate insights that inform decision-making and drive operational and strategic improvements.
Position is full-time, mid-senior level. Salary range: $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.
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