Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway Markets, Gourmet Garage® and Di Bruno Bros® banners.
Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern's co-operative members benefit from the company's extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best in class procurement practices.
About You
Your contribution
Reporting to the Retail Development Manager, the Learning & Experience Specialist will create, implement and deliver all engagement and recognition programming for the organization, working closely with HR business partners and senior leadership to drive overall company engagement. In this role, you will support in administering GrowRiteUniversity (GRU), a 'corporate university' designed to be the essential mechanism to build competency, drive organizational change, and maintain competitiveness. This position will develop and execute our Employer Brand initiatives and champion our brand by assisting with cultural initiatives, attraction/retention efforts and talent projects. You will manage the design, development and implementation of programs and strategies in support of associate development and the socializing of the Employer Brand, Mission, Purpose and Core Values for both the Membership and Wakefern. The Learning & Experience Specialist will support the growth of a culture that fosters a fast-learning and a continuously improving organization. This position is located in Edison, NJ.
What you will do:
Primary owner of all Wakefern recognition and engagement events, managing the organization of the engagement calendar, annual event selection, scheduling, coordination and production of events, including but not limited to: Inclusion, Belonging & Diversity initiatives, Quarter Century Club, Maker's Awards and other team connection related activities.
Support in administration of the annual engagement survey, taking partners to coordinate communication, operational administration of the survey and support Director of People & Culture and HRBPs in results review and company action planning
Coordinate employee networks that drive engagement and development, i.e., organizing all building activity committees and guidelines for these committees, and other various internal and external employee resource groups
Work closely with corporate communications, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and other internal stakeholders to support communications and associate experience events
Partner with Retail HR and Retail Communications to provide guidelines and best practices to members for culture and engagement in order to foster an environment of inclusion and belonging
Manage Employer Brand and Purpose & Culture materials, maintaining Wakefern Careers site, LinkedIn and other employer branding tools and resources
Assist in the administration support of GRU courses from scheduling, managing events, marketing and implementation of the learning and development plan for Corporate and Retail.
Work closely with internal HR team to manage and meet annual budget through budget-tracking routines, timely invoicing, billbacks for all expenses related to learning, development and engagement initiatives
Work closely with new technology, adapting learning and engagement initiatives and maximizing opportunities to streamline associate communication and engagement, including but not limited to the human capital management system
Support the roll-out of enterprise-wide talent practices: performance management cycle, Wakefern associate survey, talent review/succession planning with close partnership with internal stakeholders.
Support in creation of easy-to- understand instructor led and online instructional materials through on-going interactions with subject matter experts and leaders to assure GrowRite University alignment with their business objectives.
Support in facilitation of the onboarding program for new associates, including driving completion, manager support, and leading select instructor-led courses like orientation and Together We Make Wakefern Work.
Participate in consultant/vendor evaluation, selection and fee negotiations.
Partner with human resources teams and organizational leaders to integrate performance improvement and HR processes, and implement best practice strategies for attracting, engaging and retaining talent.
Work closely with IT and e-HR to ensure the accuracy and functionality of the Learning Platform as it relates to learning and development.
Serve as a co-facilitator/WFC lead as needed on appointed Sub-committees of Retail HR Committee as needed.
What we're looking for:
Bachelor's degree required or relevant work experience
Facilitation and learning and development experience preferred
Retail experience is a plus.
Experience working as a project coordinator/manager preferred.
Experience driving company culture and associate engagement.
Demonstrated experience in a position that required significant interaction with all levels of leadership and advancing a program from inception to completion.
Knowledge of various learning formats and e-learning approaches.
Strong team player with the ability to deal with different personalities in a variety of situations.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills as well as solid presentation and training facilitation skills.
Knowledge of general business operations and leadership / management theory.
High level of creativity and enthusiasm; ability to evaluate and address learning and development needs in a fast-paced and changing environment.
Strong knowledge of general business operations leadership and management theory.
Possess a keen strength to listen with empathy and engagement skills while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Able to multi-task and successfully execute within deadlines.
Ability to analyze research and data and provide actionable insights.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint). Knowledge of social media tools a plus.
How you will work:
Anticipated Travel - 10% with potential for overnights
Ability to work from home with minimal supervision
How you will succeed:
Core Competencies
Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication.
Build Relationships: Creates cross functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.
Company Perks
Vibrant Food Centric Culture
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision package
Competitive Salary and Paid Time Off
Fitness Reimbursement and Well-Being Program
Corporate Training and Development University
Collaborative team environment
Paid Parental Leave
401K
Matching Gifts and Community Volunteer Involvement