Most companies claim to have the best people. We say to them, "Keep dreaming." Our people are second to none. They set us apart with their entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. They come to us from the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks and the sports world, bringing energy, bold ideas and a willingness to dive into the unfamiliar. It's our people that make BDA the top global Merchandise Agency to work for.
Location: Plainfield, IN, Atlanta GA or Troy MI
- At BDA, we believe that regular in-person collaboration is a key part of the role. To be considered, you must live within commuting distance from the following locations: Plainfield, IN, Atlanta GA or Troy MI to be onsite 4 days a week.
L&D Business Specialist
As our Learning and Development Specialist you will oversee and coordinate training for our warehouse operations teams. The L&D Specialist will have an active role in developing, creating, implementing, and maintaining a robust learning culture at BDA. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys being on the floor, observing daily operations, and turning real-world insights into better training experiences. This role will build greater structure, consistency, and accountability into our warehouse training.
Responsibilities
Training Ownership & Delivery
- Deliver training including onboarding, upskilling, systems, role-based competencies, customer experience standards, and compliance through in-person and virtual sessions.
- Manage logistics for training sessions, including scheduling, attendance tracking, and coordination with functional leaders. Support course administration in the LMS platform (e.g., Workday), including attendance, grading, and assessment tracking. Ensure data accuracy and compliance, escalating issues as needed.
- Facilitate simulations, coaching, and skills practice sessions to reinforce learning and observe application. Provide actionable feedback to participants and share insights with functional leaders for continued adoption and reinforcement.
- Lead hands-on onboarding and skills training for warehouse associates across picking, packing, replenishment, equipment operation, and safe working practices
- Facilitate learning across multiple modalities, including in-person, virtual, and on-the-floor coaching.
- Evaluate existing operator‑led training and build improved, scalable training programs.
- Maintain training documentation, certification tracking, and recertification processes for operational and safety-critical training.
- Support or deliver training related to forklift / powered industrial truck operation, safe material handling, and warehouse safety practices.
- Conduct skills assessments to verify readiness for independent work on the floor.
Performance, Compliance & Development
- Track and measure learning impact, including speed to competency and performance outcomes.
- Ensure all training meets compliance, safety, and operational standards.
- Identify skill gaps and implement targeted upskilling solutions.
- Partner with leaders to develop career pathways and growth plans for team members.
Content & Process Improvement
- Create clear, practical instructional materials (SOPs, quick guides, job aids).
- Continuously evaluate and refine training programs using learner feedback, observations, and performance data.
- Support implementation and maintenance of digital learning solutions and LMS workflows.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 4 years of experience facilitating training programs, including both in-person and virtual environments; experience in operations specific environments preferred.
- Experience curating and organizing learning content and collaborating with instructional design teams to ensure program accuracy, relevance, and alignment with business needs.
- Experience supporting organizational change initiatives and adoption of new processes or systems preferred.
- Proficiency in learning management systems (e.g., Workday) for course administration, tracking, and reporting.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Canva ; similar design programs considered.
- Certification in virtual facilitation, adult learning, or professional training programs (e.g., ATD, Kirkpatrick, Blanchard, Maxwell DISC, or equivalent) preferred.
- Business acumen to connect training programs with operational performance goals and KPIs.
- Change-readiness mindset, supporting employees and leaders in adopting new processes, policies, and systems.
- Demonstrated experience training or supporting certification processes related to forklift operation, material handling, or warehouse safety strongly preferred.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, or relevant experience in a related field.
- Relevant safety certifications a plus (e.g., OSHA, forklift / powered industrial truck, train-the-trainer, or equivalent). The ability to train and reinforce these standards is highly desirable.
- Train-the-trainer certification in safety, equipment operation, or warehouse procedures preferred.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to monitor, evaluate, and enhance programs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical capabilities.
Why this opportunity?
This is a unique opportunity to step into a highly visible role at a pivotal point of growth and transformation. As the first U.S.-based trainer in this space, you will have the chance to build a program from the ground up, shape the strategy, and create meaningful impact across the business.
Rather than stepping into a fully defined playbook, you’ll have true ownership and autonomy to assess what’s needed, develop scalable training solutions, and influence performance in a tangible way. This role is ideal for someone who is energized by building, improving, and bringing structure to an evolving environment.
You’ll also have a manager who values empowerment, trust, and support. With 20 years of experience, he brings guidance and perspective on what works, while still giving you the space to lead, make decisions, and take the program in a direction that drives results.
Why BDA?
BDA is a place where creativity, partnership, and customer care come together. For more than 40 years, we have helped some of the world’s most recognized brands create memorable experiences through branded merchandise, gifting, and custom programs. We are proud of the work we do, the relationships we build, and the people behind it all. At BDA, you will find a team that values collaboration, innovation, and a “get it done” mindset — while still making space for creativity, growth, and meaningful impact.
Our Core Values:
- BDA is a Team and a Family
- Always Strive to Be The Best
- Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Tigger Attitude
- Work Hard, Play Hard
- Make It Happen the Best Way
- Total Client Affinity & Advocacy
Want to learn more? So much to explore
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We are pleased to share the base salary range for this position is $70,000 to $85,000. If you are hired at BDA, your compensation will be determined based on factors that may include geographic location, skills, education, and experience. In addition to these factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any offer. In the spirit of pay transparency, the range listed is the full base salary range for the role and hiring at the top of the range would not be typical, in order to allow for future salary growth. The range listed is just one component of BDA’s total compensation and rewards programs, which includes: robust PTO; vacation, a paid volunteer day, holidays and summer Fridays, Benefits; medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance, 401k; tuition reimbursement, mental health and financial wellness programs and professional development opportunities including tuition reimbursement. Certain revenue-generating positions may be eligible for incentive compensation.
BDA is more than a workplace - it’s a family. For more than four decades we’ve promoted a vibrant and welcoming culture that not only accepts but demands you to be different. The quirky, the bold, the creative and the unique make up the foundation of a company that the most iconic brands in the world look to help tell their story through the power of merchandise.
BDA Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
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