Training Specialist

In addition to primary team duties, the Training Specialist supports Team and Store Leadership to organize and guide the training for all new and existing Team Members (primarily in high volume locations and teams). Ensures the high-quality, timely completion of New Member Orientation (NMO) for New Members, and supports Global, Regional, and department-specific training, including Compliance, Occupational Safety, Food Safety, Product Knowledge, and Customer Service. Supports Store Leadership with organizing and guiding the training efforts of Team Trainers and by supporting other teams’ training as needed. Acts as a role model, maintaining a positive company image and providing customer-obsessed service.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

DUTIES APPLYING TO TRAINING SPECIALIST

• Ensures new and ongoing store and team training programs are successfully delivered and completed.
• Organizes, tracks, reports, and maintains accurate training records using Whole Foods Markets’ learning systems.
• Works within training deadlines and goals.
• Coordinates with Store Team Leaders, Associate Store Team Leaders, Team Leaders, and store Team Member Services Generalists to schedule New Member training during their first five shifts. Primary responsibility is to New Members on their home team with additional responsibility to support the overall coordination of training on all teams.
• Coordinates with New Members, Store and Team Leadership, and Team Member Services Generalists on the timely completion of NMO, regularly communicating status toward completion.
• Attends Team Trainer meetings, as scheduled.
• Acts as a role model for constant food safety, sanitation procedures, and occupational safety.
• Trains all Team Members on customer service standards and looks for opportunities to provide timely feedback.
• Trains all Team Members on new products, their differentiation, sales tactics, and department placement.
• Consistently practices and models proper care, use, and maintenance of all team equipment and PPE.
• Completes Training Specialist Certification and other assigned training.
• Familiarizes themselves with the Team Trainer Playbook and maintains engagement with all communication platforms.
• Assists Regional Training Team and Team Member Services Generalists with the delivery of Train-the-Trainer for Team Trainers.
• Mentors Team Members and Team Trainers to reach full potential and enhance customer and Team Member experience.
• Assumes regular Team Member duties on home team and as a floater to other teams, as needed.

DUTIES APPLYING TO ALL POSITIONS:

• Arrives to workstation on time, appropriately groomed, dressed according to Whole Foods Market’s uniform policy; works all scheduled shifts and attends required training and meetings.
• Provides excellent customer service, addresses customer needs quickly and effectively, and models suggestive selling techniques; answers phones and pages promptly and courteously.
• Maximizes sales potential through effective and proper procedures for prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising product.
• Follows and complies, or ensures compliance with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, Health and Sanitation, and Safe Work Practices.
• Maintains, or ensures maintenance of a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; maintains equipment in accordance with Whole Foods Market’s cleanliness and safety standards.
• Performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned; ensures accuracy of signs and pricing.
• Immediately reports safety hazards and violations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Store, Regional, or Global Leadership.

PRINCIPAL SKILLS

SKILLS APPLYING TO TRAINING SPECIALIST

• Comfortable speaking with small and large groups and inspiring others.
• Self-motivated, driven, and solution-oriented.
• Capable of teaching others in a constructive and positive manner.
• General computer skills and basic knowledge of software applications (MS Office Suite).
• Working knowledge of Whole Foods Market’s learning systems.
• Achieves and maintains State Food Safety Proctor certification and proctors Food Safety exams for location, as needed.

SKILLS APPLYING TO ALL POSITIONS

• Strong communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectable manner to fellow Team Members, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to meet customer service expectations and standards in all interactions with customers, vendors, and Team Members.
• Ability to follow directions and procedures; effective time management and organization skills.
• Passion for high-quality foods and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
• Understanding of and compliance with Whole Foods Market’s quality goals.

EXPERIENCE

• 12 months of Whole Foods Market experience.
• Recommend at least 6 months of equivalent experience as Team Trainer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• In an 8-hour workday: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation pushing, and pulling.
• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures: less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezers), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ability to work in wet and/or cold environments.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.