Retail Trainer - Michiana District - FT

Goodwill Industries Group; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Industries Group in South Bend, IN seeks a Training Specialist to deliver classroom and hands-on retail training for entry-level staff. You will lead new hire orientation, align sessions with policy, and partner with store managers to tailor onboarding across districts.

The role emphasizes clear communication, active coaching, timely paperwork, and upholding Goodwill's mission to empower people. Travel to various sites is required, and a strong customer-first mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent or ability to obtain via The Excel Center.
• Proven experience in teaching, training, or group facilitation.
• Knowledge of company policies, HR practices, and retail operations.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate new hire orientation and training sessions within the district.
• Deliver hands-on instruction on policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
• Collaborate with Store Managers to tailor training to each store’s needs.
• Track new hire progress and provide updates to stakeholders.

Skills

Teaching / training

Communication

Organizational skills

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Publisher

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Western Headquarters - South Bend, IN 46619
• Education Level: High School
• Salary Range: $46,000.00
• Travel Percentage: Road Warrior
• Job Shift: Day
• Job Category: Retail

Job Objective

This role is responsible for providing dynamic, classroom and hands‑on retail training to entry-level employees, conducting orientation and assisting in the smooth onboarding experience for new employees. This position reports to the District Manager who evaluates performance annually. In addition, embodies the Goodwill Mission to: “Empower people to achieve their most abundant life” and upholds the Company Core Values of: Relentless Pursuit of Excellence, Customer-First Mindset, Humble Confidence, Passion for Mission, and Do the Right Thing.

Essential Job Functions

• Facilitate new hire orientation and training sessions within the assigned district, ensuring alignment with Goodwill’s mission, policies, and daily training schedules.
• Deliver clear, hands‑on instruction and guidance on company policies, procedures, and performance expectations to support a smooth transition into each role.
• Collaborate with Store Managers to tailor training to the operational needs of each store, covering tasks such as material processing, stocking, customer service, cash register use, and store cleanliness.
• Utilize training documentation to track new hire progress and provide updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback during onboarding and beyond to support employee development.
• Collect and relay feedback from new hires to improve the onboarding experience.
• Complete required new hire documentation, including the employer section of Form I‑9, and maintain consistent communication with Store and District Managers regarding paperwork and training progress.
• Ensure all internal and external communications are handled promptly, professionally, and respectfully.
• Attend retail meetings to stay informed about company updates and training initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications - Required Education and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent or ability to obtain via The Excel Center.
• Proven experience in teaching, training, or group facilitation, with the ability to motivate and inspire diverse learners.
• In-depth understanding of company policies, HR practices, and retail operations, including store opening and closing procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong listening and interpersonal abilities to engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who may be disabled or disadvantaged.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet tight deadlines, and adapt under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment, and maintain discretion in applying company policies.
• Technologically proficient, with advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
• Must have reliable transportation, a current driver’s license, and provide proof of insurance to travel to different job sites.

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Flexible availability.
• Able to frequently bend, twist, reach above shoulder level, push and pull, crouch or stoop, kneel, repetitively use feet, and use head and neck in a twisting or static motion and to look up and/or down, and lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.