Learning and Development Specialist

Empire Southwest; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Empire Southwest is seeking a trainer to design and deliver high-impact people skills training across a multi-generational workforce in Arizona and Nevada. You will blend facilitation with adult learning techniques to improve learning transfer and ROI, shaping L&D across the organization.

You will partner with teams to enhance employee performance, travel up to 75% for outlying locations, and model Empire’s safety and values while driving a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; or equivalent experience in HR/Training or Organizational Development.
• Minimum of 5 years in corporate learning function.
• Experience with instructional design preferred.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish a plus.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Promote Learning and Development with focus on Business Professional, Management and Leadership Development.
• Administer training plans, procedures and programs addressing training needs.
• Attend Train the Trainer courses for certification on specific subject matter.
• Maintain knowledge of Empire's business and anticipate learning needs based on business realities.
• Evaluate existing courses for continuous improvement and business relevance.
• Build relationships with Caterpillar and external client contacts; incorporate inputs into course materials.
• Drive change management and cultural transformation to promote a learning environment.
• Build relationships with Empire workforce critical to success.
• Create an environment of ownership and accountability for performance.
• Work safely and comply with all safety policies.

Skills

Adult Learning Theory

Course design

Presentation skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Ambiguity tolerance

English communication

Spanish (bilingual)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Instructional Design

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Ready to work with a great team to influence learning and culture as a trainer? In this role you will design and deliver high-impact people skills training across a multi-generational workforce spanning three states in one of Caterpillar’s top dealerships in North America, Empire Southwest (Construction, Mining, Power Systems, Rental, Technical Shops, and more).

You’ll blend strong facilitation to create engaging, learner-centered experiences rooted in modern adult learning and microlearning strategies. You’ll elevate people skills capability, improve learning transfer and ROI, and help us shape the future of L&D across the organization.

You’ll partner with our team to enhance employee performance. Your work will directly influence the employee experience and organizational success.

Success in this role requires independence, adaptability, and a willingness to travel, along with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative team. Above all, you’ll model Empire’s core values—safety, teamwork, astonishment, integrity, respect, stewardship, and excellence—while bringing a proactive, solutions-focused mindset and passion for continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Promote all aspects of Learning and Development with specific focus on Business Professional, Management and Leadership Development.
• Administer training plans, procedures and programs that address the organization’s training needs.
• Will be required to attend “Train the Trainer” courses for certification on specific subject matter.
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of Empire's business and anticipates future learning and development needs based on business realities and organizational shifts, making recommendations for changes needed.
• Evaluate existing courses on an on-going basis, ensuring continuous improvement and business relevance.
• Build and foster relationships with Caterpillar and external client contacts incorporating their inputs into course materials, as appropriate.
• Drive change management and business cultural transformation efforts to promote a learning environment within the organization.
• Build and foster relationships with Empire workforce, with whom the position relies upon to be successful.
• Create an environment of ownership and personal accountability where each person is responsible and accountable for their performance.
• Work safely at all times. Adhere to all applicable safety policies. Comply with all company policies, procedures and standards.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Travel to outlying locations (Arizona and Nevada) on a monthly basis - 75% travel.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Leadership.
• Work within and promote corporate values.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Functional expertise in assessment, evaluation, and training needs analysis, organization systems, and internal consulting.
• Knowledgeable in Adult Learning Theory; conducts trend research for best practices.
• Strong negotiation skills and project management experience.
• Skilled at making clear and persuasive presentations. Builds credibility quickly with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work in and manage ambiguity, deal with issues or problems, work independently, drive for results and stay focused to accomplish objectives with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to think strategically and systemically.
• Ability to be flexible, creative and can grasp complex concepts and execute ideas. Motivated by challenges.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills with individuals or in small or large groups.
• Must be able to meet all safety requirements for applicable safety policies and use of all required safety equipment.
• Ability to maintain consistent attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field preferred; or equivalent years of experience specializing in Human Resources, Training or Organizational Development.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a corporate learning function managing the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of learning and development programs.
• Experience with instructional design preferred.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish a plus.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write) in English.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands and talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop and kneel.
• The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; and outside weather conditions.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually office moderate.