Job Description

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, and Gourmet Garage® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

About You

As the Engagement Specialist, you will develop and execute our Employer Brand initiatives and champion our brand by assisting with cultural initiatives, attraction/retention efforts and talent projects. You will manage the design, development and implementation of programs and strategies in support of associate development and the socializing of the Employer Brand, Mission, Purpose and Core Values for both the Membership and Wakefern. The Engagement Specialist will support the growth of a culture that fosters a fast- learning and a continuously improving organization.

In addition, you will create, implement and deliver training and support all aspects of organizational development and culture by conducting needs assessments and developing programs that maximize manager and associate effectiveness for corporate and retail. In this role, you are responsible for administering GrowRite University (GRU), a ‘corporate university’ designed to be the essential mechanism to build competency, drive organizational change, and maintain competitiveness. You will partner with leaders to design, coach, and implement resources, processes, and programs that support individual development, career mobility, organizational bench strength and culture. This position is located in Edison, NJ.

What You’ll Do

• Manage Employer Brand, Purpose and Culture, projects from inception to execution.
• Collaborate with WFC leaders and Membership to ensure the infusion of the competencies, Employer Brand and Purpose into programs and policies.
• Continue to apply employer brand tools and practices throughout the associate life cycle.
• Guide stakeholders on employer brand and visual identity to ensure alignment of the brand.
• Partner with human resources teams and organizational leaders to integrate performance improvement and HR processes, and implement best practice strategies for attracting, engaging and retaining talent.
• Assist in the creation and implementation of the strategic learning and development plan for Corporate and Retail. Determine and provide timely and pertinent training and education.
• Support the roll-out of enterprise-wide talent practices: performance management, Wakefern associate survey, talent reviews/succession planning process – including the management of project plans and close partnership with Human Resources and other internal stakeholders.
• Create and implement easy to understand instructor led and online instructional materials through on-going interactions with subject matter experts and leaders to assure GrowRite University alignment with their business objectives.
• Utilize standard eLearning and video authoring tools and work with content experts to develop learning materials/programs from scratch.
• Facilitate engaging and effective virtual and in-person classroom learning experiences.
• Responsible for the GrowRite University process flow (i.e. scheduling, marketing, registration, invites, member bill backs, solicit feedback).
• Maintain, coordinate and facilitate new hire orientation and associate onboarding initiatives.
• Participate in consultant/vendor evaluation, selection and fee negotiations.
• Identify and develop reinforcement learning in online learning platform beyond instructor led learning experience.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in the areas of training techniques/concepts, culture, purpose, and assessment methods.
• Work closely with IT and e-HR to ensure the accuracy and functionality of the Learning Platform as it relates to learning and development.
• Proactively research solutions and leading practices to enhance culture and the learning and development program.
• Serves as a co-facilitator/WFC lead on appointed Sub-committees of Retail HR Committee as needed.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience driving company culture and associate engagement.
• 1-3 years of related Human Resources experience
• Minimum 3 years learning and development experience
• Minimum 1 year experience in instructional design.
• Retail experience is a plus.
• Experience working as a project coordinator/manager.
• Demonstrated experience in a position that required significant interaction with all levels of leadership and advancing a program from inception to completion.
• Knowledge of various learning formats and e-learning approaches.
• Strong team player with the ability to deal with different personalities in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills as well as solid presentation and training facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of general business operations and leadership / management theory.
• High level of creativity and enthusiasm; ability to evaluate and address learning and development needs in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Strong knowledge of general business operations leadership and management theory.
• Possess a keen strength to listen with empathy and engagement skills while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Able to multi-task and successfully execute within deadlines.
• Ability to analyze research and data and provide actionable insights.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint). Knowledge of social media tools a plus.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

How you’ll succeed

• Communicate Effectively : Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication.
• Build Relationships : Creates cross functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
• Stay Competitive : Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
• Embrace Change : Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
• Develop You : Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
• Drive for Results : Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.

How you’ll work

• Anticipated Travel – 10% with potential for overnights
• Ability to work from home with minimal supervision
• Hybrid schedule – four days per week in Edison, NJ office

Company Perks

• Vibrant Food Centric Culture
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision package
• Competitive Salary and Paid Time Off
• Fitness Reimbursement and Well-Being Program
• Corporate Training and Development University
• Collaborative team environment
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K
• Matching Gifts and Community Volunteer Involvement

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