*MUST reside in the Twin Cities, MN area - Remote*

What does it mean to be a part of our HR Corporate team? 

While providing remote support to our national colleagues, our HR Corporate team ensures effective execution of human resources strategies and strategic HR planning. This includes areas such as Talent & Culture, Workforce Planning, Talent Acquisition, Engagement & Events, Recognition, Performance Management, Organizational Development, Learning & Development, Associate Relations, Compensation, DEI, Benefits & Wellness, Labor Relations, and Philanthropy.  In addition, this team plays a pivotal role in our current transformation journey. They are instrumental in helping to develop, train, and retain the right talent that is fully engaged with this strategy, as well as embodying a true “people first” mindset to help drive UNFI’s company culture of collaboration and engagement. 

Purpose:

The Learning & Development Partner will be responsible for the design, development, and deployment of UNFI’s processes and systems and leadership development programs. This role will work closely with and collaborate with other members of the Learning & Development team as well as business stakeholders to strengthen the capabilities of our leaders. In their role, the Learning & Development Partner will continue to iterate, innovate, and evolve UNFI’s existing portfolio of programs for leaders in all departments and at varying levels, including front-line associates, new and first-time supervisors, mid-level managers, as well as our more specialized leadership roles, such as General Managers and UNFI’s Directors and above.

The Learning & Development Partner will be responsible for identifying key talent gaps as well as maintaining a pulse on the changing environment to anticipate future competency needs for the organization. They will ensure the consistent transfer of knowledge to both associates and business leaders according to UNFI’s key priorities—through both the resourceful sourcing and development of content, as well as through strategic program design and delivery. The Learning & Development Partner will collaborate closely with other Learning & Development team members to support the customization and tailoring of materials for the functional areas of the business, ultimately ensuring that the learning materials are relevant, timely, and applicable. This role will also work to address business concerns and leadership skill gaps through ongoing measurement and evaluation of programs.

 Job Responsibilities:

• Designs and develops leadership development programs, which may include program design, needs assessments, instructional design, and presentation design.

• Manages the deployment of leadership development programs, which may include communication development, program management, facilitation, coaching, and measurement and evaluation.

• Tailors communication and training approach to various audiences and learner needs (by function and level).

• Leverages experiential learning best practices (scenario-based learning, storytelling, realistic examples of application, common misunderstandings) to best engage adult learners and ensure successful transfer of knowledge.

• Continues to broaden depth of understanding of business functions, leadership development best practices, and blended learning techniques.

• Gathers insights and observations on leadership development needs, strengths, and opportunities, as well as the effectiveness of ongoing learning interventions.

• Maintains strong professional relationships with key stakeholders throughout the business to ensure successful transfer of knowledge and upskilling.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certification: 

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent working experience.

Experience: 

• 3-4 years of experience in human resources, learning and development, talent management, or a related role.

• Experience designing, developing, and deploying systems and software, process implementations, training, leadership development training and programs, or other skill development deployments.

• Strong understanding of adult learning best practices, modern classroom, online, and eLearning.

• Strong organization and project management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with emphasis on relationship management, business partnerships, and workplace collaboration.

•  Ability to work on multiple tasks, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently under minimal supervision.

• Lean Six Sigma knowledge preferred but not required.

• Experience in applicable subject matter area of expertise preferred but not required.

• Experience in applicable systems, processes, and tools for both functional knowledge as well as content creation preferred but not required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Experience conducting needs analysis and post-training measurement and evaluation (surveys, focus groups, etc.)

• Experience with leadership program design, instructional design, and blended learning.

• Understanding of employee benefits, multiemployer benefit plans, union benefit arrangements, and how CBA language affects benefit administration preferred. Ability to independently research issues, review applicable CBAs and policies, and develop a recommended answer before escalating for additional guidance.

• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear issue summaries, grievance responses, settlement recommendations, leadership updates, training materials, meeting summaries, and executive-level communications.

• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex labor relations concepts to HR partners, operations leaders, senior leaders, union representatives, and outside counsel.

•  Ability to partner effectively with stakeholders while maintaining appropriate Labor Relations boundaries and ensuring local HR and operations teams remain accountable for their responsibilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, locations, deadlines, and urgent issues while maintaining organization, follow-through, and sound judgment.

• Ability to assess when a matter should be resolved, escalated, settled, advanced to arbitration, or handled internally before engaging outside counsel.

• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Where you will work:

Remote Role:

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel:

·         Travel is required up to 50% for this position.

Physical Environment/Demands:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment but could include work at Distribution Center locations.

• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

#LI-REMOTE