Learning and Development Program Specialist

About the Role

Taco, Inc., a family-operated company committed to fostering a supportive workplace, invites applications for the position of Learning and Development Program Specialist. This full-time role is located primarily onsite in Cranston, RI, with the opportunity to work up to two days per week remotely if performance standards are met. The Specialist acts as a central partner in executing Taco's Employee Success Programs, managing leadership and talent development initiatives, participant engagement, vendor relationships, and logistical coordination to promote a strong organizational culture, professional growth, and employee satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate talent development activities including onboarding programs, leadership development, and performance growth initiatives aligned with Taco’s leadership models.
• Manage participant and stakeholder communications, ensuring active engagement and timely responses.
• Lead delivery and facilitation of leadership training sessions collaboratively with Talent Development teams and subject matter experts.
• Collect and analyze program feedback using methods such as Kirkpatrick evaluation; report on learning effectiveness and participant outcomes.
• Support plant supervisor development through organizing design, logistics, and reinforcement activities to enhance skill application.
• Collaborate with internal leaders, HR teams, and external vendors to ensure seamless experience for program participants.
• Design and execute employee engagement programs that reinforce company culture, including storytelling, events, onboarding, and recognition activities.
• Lead employee feedback mechanisms such as surveys and focus groups to gather insights and support management decision-making.
• Coordinate employee storytelling initiatives, producing content in partnership with Marketing to highlight employee contributions.
• Manage event planning, logistics, vendor relations, financial documentation, and administrative tasks supporting Employee Success Programs.
• Create comprehensive reports, dashboards, and metrics to support decision-making and continuous program improvement.
• Identify and implement opportunities to optimize operational procedures, documentation, and workflows for enhanced Talent Development effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in human resources, organizational development, business, psychology, communications, marketing, or related discipline.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in talent development, HR, organizational development, employee engagement, program management, or internal communications; equivalent experience and skills considered.
• Knowledge or certification in project management methodologies such as PMP is advantageous.
• Experience in a manufacturing setting is beneficial but not necessary.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and quick to adopt HR, learning management, and project coordination technologies.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.
• Strong communication skills with experience in writing employee communications and facilitating group learning sessions.
• Ability to present to diverse audiences and lead training sessions effectively is preferred.
• Detail-oriented with skills in managing accurate documentation and administrative processes.
• Proactive with good judgment and problem-solving capabilities aimed at process enhancements.

Work Environment and Benefits

This position primarily operates in an office setting involving computer work with some exposure to production environments requiring safety gear. Taco offers a robust benefits package including competitive salaries, profit-sharing, tuition reimbursement, career advancement opportunities, on-site training facilities, and a supportive culture emphasizing health, family, and diversity.

Performance Expectations

• Achieve at least 95% on-time delivery of program milestones with less than 2% documentation errors.
• Respond to all inquiries within one business day.
• Maintain participant and stakeholder satisfaction rates at or above 85% with issues escalated below 5% and resolved within five business days.
• Continuously improve processes to reduce administrative workload and errors.