Product Knowledge Training Specialist

Theisen's Home Farm Auto; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Product Knowledge Training Specialist to enhance product training across retail stores. This role involves collaborating with various teams to develop impactful training programs, creating engaging content, and delivering hands-on training. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in retail products and experience in training or event coordination. You'll play a crucial role in connecting product knowledge to sales outcomes, ensuring associates can confidently engage customers and drive revenue. Join a company that values respect, collaboration, and community service, and help foster a learning culture that celebrates innovation and dedication.

Benefits

Competitive match on 401K

PTO

Holidays

Birthday-off with pay

Associate discount

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Short-term and long-term disability

Qualifications

• 5+ years of training, project management, or event coordination experience.
• Experience with product demonstrations and vendor presentations is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver engaging product training content across retail stores.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and track associate progress.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Presentation Skills

Project Management

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s Degree in Management or Related Field

Tools

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Microsoft Office

Camtasia

Job description

Description

Employment Type: Full Time

Supervisor: Learning and Development Manager

Location: Store Support Center

Job Description

The Product Knowledge Training Specialist is a hands-on builder of product training content and delivery across Theisen’s retail stores. This role collaborates closely with the Learning & Development team, Merchandising, Marketing, Vendors, and field teams to develop and deliver high-impact product training programs that support Store Support Center initiatives and new store opening execution. The trainer will create engaging, informative training content (videos, guides, LMS modules), visit stores to lead in-person demonstrations, and take ownership of implementation and program tracking.

This position plays a key role in connecting product knowledge to sales outcomes, ensuring associates can confidently recommend products, enhance customer engagement, and drive revenue. Ideal candidates will bring a deep understanding of retail products across farm, home, and auto categories, with experience in vendor partnerships, trade shows, or live product demos. This role requires someone who can design, deliver, and continuously improve scalable training that aligns with Theisen’s culture and high standards.

This position will also be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of training programs, tracking associate progress, and providing feedback to improve product knowledge and selling techniques. This includes maintaining annual training calendars, supporting new store openings with detailed training plans and timelines, and coordinating vendor involvement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, ideally in Management, Business Administration, Retail Management, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in training, project management, or event coordination
• Experience with product demonstrations, trade shows, or vendor presentations highly desired
• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and training content creation tools (e.g., Camtasia)
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Travel required, including new store openings and occasional overnight stays

Key Responsibilities

• Be a "Brand Ambassador" for Theisen’s by promoting product knowledge that supports our brand promise and values
• Build and maintain engaging training content: videos, guides, e-learning modules, and vendor-supplied material
• Visit stores to provide in-person, hands-on product training to associates and management
• Partner with merchandising, vendors, marketing, and field teams to ensure accuracy and relevance of product training
• Manage training content in the LMS and support systems like ExpertVoice, NHPA, and Stihl
• Conduct train-the-trainer sessions and workshops focused on product knowledge, selling techniques, and customer engagement
• Lead training efforts for new store openings, including coordination with internal stakeholders and vendors, training content setup, logistics, and associate scheduling
• Monitor completion rates, generate training reports, and identify gaps
• Track in-store performance metrics and provide feedback to improve associate selling techniques and knowledge application
• Develop and maintain annual training calendars, product launch timelines, and training documentation
• Support a learning culture that is fun, high-energy, and aligned with business goals

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation and facilitation abilities for small and large groups
• Proven ability to collaborate, build relationships, and influence others
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage projects independently
• Strong planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities
• Familiarity with LMS functionality and reporting tools
• Demonstrated passion for education, product knowledge, and sales performance
• High level of integrity and business ethics

Physical Demands

While in the office, frequent physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, dexterity, and light grasping. Occasional physical demands include lifting up to 25 lbs., bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs and firmly grasping. The employee is required to accept incoming calls and must be able to hear and speak. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision adequate for the incumbent to perform the responsibilities and functions of the job efficiently. The associate must have the manual dexterity to manually operate and use a computer and other basic office equipment.

While in the store, frequent physical demands include lifting up to 25 lbs., walking, standing, bending, reaching, dexterity and light grasping. Occasional physical demands include lifting up to and over 50 lbs., climbing stairs, squatting, and firmly grasping. The associate is required to talk and hear. Must be able to work required shifts including nights and weekends, and maintain attendance standards. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision adequate for the incumbent to perform the responsibilities and functions of the job efficiently. The associate must have the manual dexterity to manually operate and use a computer/cash register and/or RF.

Must be willing to travel and work required shifts including nights and weekends as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive match on 401K
• PTO
• Holidays
• Birthday-off with pay
• Associate discount and many other benefits

Full-Time Also Eligible:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability

Company Culture and Values

At Theisen's, our company culture is built on a foundation of respect, collaboration, and service to our communities. We believe in putting Customer First, working together as One Connected Team, and always finding ways to Give Back. These three pillars guide how we approach our work and interact with each other every day.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every associate is valued and encouraged to grow. At Theisen's, we strive to make a positive impact on our customers, our communities, and each other, creating a workplace where hard work, dedication, and innovation are celebrated.

Theisen’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.