Training & Development Manager – FAO Schwarz NYC Flagship

Job Description:

Our Story so far Founded in 1862, F.A.O Schwarz is one of the oldest and most iconic toy retailers in the world. Frederick August Otto Schwarz dreamed of a marvelous, bountiful emporium full of extraordinary, one-of-a-kind toys from all over the world. His dream became a reality, and as one of America’s oldest brands, we have provided this wonder to families for more than 150 years.

Our Vision is that we passionately curate an ever-evolving World of Wonder brought to life through our extraordinary people, experiences, and products to create everlasting memories for all.

We drive quality and innovation, offering one-of-a-kind playthings and creating cherished memories for generations of children. We are more than a toy store. We are a place where toys come to life.

We have mastered the art of showmanship and grand merchandising, and we are pioneers of crafting the concept of in-store experiences which are driving the future of retail today.

Our Values

Passion - Do what you love and love what you do.

Engaging - Make the first move.

Integrity - Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

Collaborative - Support each other, win as a team.

Adaptability - Roll with the Punches!

Driven - Be BOLD and go BEYOND.

Accountability - Own it!

The Training and Development Manager is responsible for improving the productivity of the organization's employees. This position assesses company-wide developmental needs to drive training initiatives and identifies and arranges suitable training solutions for employees. This position actively searches, creatively designs, and implements effective methods to educate, enhance performance and recognize performance. The T & D Manager is also a driving force behind and part of the team in driving culture; sales; and engagement. They are also part of the team moral leader.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversees the daily activities of training associates and consultants.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Reviews existing training programs suggests enhancements and modifications to improve engagement, Customer Experience learning, and retention and/or to meet the changing needs of customer, the organization, or the industry. Ensures that training materials and programs are current, accurate, and effective.

• Maintains knowledge of new methods and techniques for training, and training requirements applicable to the organization and/or industry.

• Initiates structured and strategic meetings with members of Senior Leadership to update progress, initiate plans; and recommend modifications to current plans and adjustments.

• Conducts annual training and development needs assessment. Communication results/recommendations to Senior Leadership.

• Develops training and development programs and objectives (Product Training, Vendor Training, Experience Training, Safety Training, Train-the-Trainer.
• Responsible for updating and distributing training calendar.
• Administers spending against the departmental budget.
• Obtains and /or develops effective training materials utilizing a variety of media.
• Trains and coaches managers, supervisors and others involved in employee development efforts.
• Plans, organizes, facilitates and orders supplies for employee development and training events.
• Develops and maintains organizational communications such as intranet bulletin boards and newsletters to ensure employees have knowledge of training and development events and resources.
• Conducts follow-up studies of all completed training to evaluate and measure results.
• Modifies programs as needed.

• Collaborates with vendors and third-party training providers to arrange employee registration for and participation in outside training programs.

• Exemplifies the desired culture and philosophies of the organization.

• Works effectively as a team member with other members of management and the HR staff.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong presentation skills.

• Adept with a variety of multimedia training platforms and methods.

• Ability to evaluate and research training options and alternatives.

• Ability to design and implement effective training and development.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field.
• 3 – 5 years of experience designing and implementing employee development programs.
• 3 – 5 years of experience in a retail, wholesale, or other business that is sales driven, client-driven, and KPIs / Metric driven.
• 3 - 5 years of experience in writing & developing Training & Development plans preferred!
• Retail Management; Retail Training; Retail Leadership; Retail Sales; Retail Customer Service - all a plus!!
• Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) credential preferred.
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Prolonged periods of standing during delivery of training programs.

• Periods of time walking on sales floor and enter-acting with associates and customers.

• Must be able to lift up to fifteen pounds at a time.

Culture & Work Environment:

• Must be upbeat, with a positive attitude and an ardent desire for the challenge of making the sale with client connection & experience.

• The ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including overtime, evenings, weekends, and holiday weekends

• Embrace and adhere to company policy. Must be customer-focused and consistently able to maintain enthusiasm and project a positive company image.

• Ability to demonstrate discretion, good judgment, tactfulness, and diplomacy

• Learn and “live” FAO Schwarz company culture, history, vision, and mission – be a living example.

Why You Should Work for Us:

FAO Schwarz is an EEO employer - M/F/Vets/Disabled