Retail Trainer - North Central Indiana - FT

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

Job summary

Goodwill Industries Group in Valparaiso, IN is seeking a full-time Training Specialist to deliver classroom and hands-on retail training to entry-level employees. You will conduct orientation, align with mission and policies, and work with Store Managers to tailor programs across stores.

Qualifications include a high school diploma, teaching/training experience, HR policy knowledge, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent or ability to obtain via The Excel Center.
• Proven experience in teaching, training, or group facilitation with ability to motivate diverse learners.
• Deep understanding of HR policies and retail operations, including opening/closing procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with strong interpersonal abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; able to pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate new hire orientation and training sessions within the assigned district.
• Deliver hands-on instruction on company policies and performance expectations.
• Collaborate with Store Managers to tailor training to each store's needs (opening/closing, operations).
• Utilize training documentation to track new hire progress and report to stakeholders.
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback during onboarding and beyond.
• Collect and relay feedback from new hires to improve onboarding.
• Complete required new hire documentation, including Form I-9, and coordinate with managers.
• Ensure prompt, professional communications and stay informed about company updates.
• Attend retail meetings and participate in training initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Teaching / training

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Organizational skills

Independent work

HR policies

Background check willingness

Driver's license

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Store - Valparaiso - Valparaiso, IN 46383Education Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $46,000.00 - $46,000.00 SalaryTravel Percentage: Road WarriorJob Shift: DayJob Category: RetailJob 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.

QualificationsRequired 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.