Employee Training Specialist (12 Month Contract)

HOLT RENFREW; Toronto; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury retailer in Toronto is looking for an Employee Training Specialist on a 12-month contract. This role involves designing and launching premium learning programs to enhance the employee experience in luxury retail. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Education and have over 3 years of experience in instructional design. Proficiency in Articulate 360 is essential. The company offers a fashion-driven environment that promotes learning and growth.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in instructional design or training development, preferably in luxury retail.
• Proven experience designing engaging training tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct needs analyses with stakeholders to identify learning gaps.
• Design and develop engagement-oriented training content.
• Deliver pilot sessions and evaluate program effectiveness.

Skills

Instructional design

Communication

Adult learning theory

Visual design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field

Tools

Articulate 360

MS Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Holt Renfrew offers you an inspiring, fashion-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow. From our incredible partnerships with iconic luxury brands, to our commitments to corporate social responsibility, you will be inspired every day.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a performance-driven Employee Training Specialist (12 Month Contract) to elevate the employee experience through premium, purpose-built learning programs. In this role, you will design, develop, and launch best-in-class training solutions using the ADDIE instructional design model, tailored to the fast-paced and detail-oriented world of luxury retail. You will be responsible for creating beautifully branded and highly effective learning assets, including Articulate-based eLearning, job aids, sales tools, and onboarding guides, ensuring employees are equipped to deliver exceptional client service and uphold our brand standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct needs analyses by partnering with store leaders, regional teams, and corporate office stakeholders to identify learning gaps and performance opportunities.

• Design learning experiences that align with luxury brand values, sales excellence, and client experience goals using the ADDIE model.

• Develop engaging, visually refined training content including:

  • eLearning modules using Articulate Storyline and Rise

  • Facilitator guides for in-store or virtual instructor-led sessions

  • Job aids, reference cards, and sales enablement tools

  • Onboarding guides and product knowledge briefs

• Deliver or coordinate pilot sessions and train-the-trainer programs, supporting adoption across stores and markets.

• Leverage feedback, training data, and field insights to evaluate program impact and continuously refine content.

• Maintain consistency with brand standards and tone, ensuring all learning materials reflect the luxury retail experience.

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (Visual Merchandising, Marketing, HR, Product, and Retail Operations, ect.) to align content with seasonal campaigns and product launches.

• Manage multiple learning projects with excellence in execution, meeting strict deadlines while upholding creative and instructional quality.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience

• Minimum 3 years in instructional design or training development, preferably in a luxury, fashion, or high-end retail setting

• Advanced proficiency in Articulate 360 (Storyline & Rise), MS Office, and/or Google Workspace

• Proven experience designing elegant and effective learning tools such as job aids, product cards, and visual guides

• Strong grasp of adult learning theory, behavior-based training, and retail learning strategies

• A refined visual eye for layout and design to ensure training materials are brand-aligned and engaging

• Excellent communication, storytelling, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering under tight timelines in a high-performance environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Articulate Rise and 360 proficiency

• Ability to create and edit videos

• Familiarity with luxury retail service standards, KPIs, and selling behaviors

• Experience using an LMS (Saba)

• Fluency in French is a plus

• Graphic design experience (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) a bonus

Holt Renfrew is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our future success depends on the perspectives and contributions of all our employees -- their diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences make our business stronger. If you are contacted for a job opportunity and require accommodation, please email [e-mail] and let us know so we can ensure you have an accessible candidate experience throughout the recruitment process. All requests are confidential and used only to meet candidate needs.