Associate Manager - Learning & Development - Retail

Associate Manager - Learning & Development (Retail entrepreneurs)

Description:

Key Responsibilities:

- Design comprehensive onboarding programmes for newly onboarded retail entrepreneurs, covering store operations, inventory management, customer service, visual merchandising, hygiene standards and business management

- Develop and continuously update training modules based on real-world challenges and best practices from the convenience retail industry

- Create engaging training content including presentations, videos, manuals, quick-reference guides and digital learning materials

- Conduct classroom training sessions, in-store demonstrations and training at various store locations

- Regularly visit stores across different locations to observe operations and identify training gaps or operational challenges

- Quickly diagnose recurring issues faced by entrepreneurs (stock management, staff handling, customer complaints, compliance, etc.) and develop targeted intervention programmes

- Act as the first point of contact for store owners seeking operational guidance and support

- Create tailored refresher training modules to address specific performance gaps

- Establish clear, measurable training outcomes and KPIs (e.g., completion rates, knowledge assessments, on-ground application, business performance improvements)

- Track and evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes through assessments, feedback and store performance metrics

- Build scalable training systems and processes that can expand as the network grows

- Develop a train-the-trainer program to build internal training capacity

- Spend significant time on the ground visiting stores across various locations (expect 40-50% field time)

- Conduct regular store audits to assess training implementation and compliance

- Gather real-time feedback from entrepreneurs to improve training relevance and effectiveness

- Build strong relationships with store owners and become a trusted advisor

- Stay updated on convenience retail trends, competitor practices and industry best practices

- Benchmark training programmes against leading convenience retail chains not just in India but all over the world

- Collaborate with key stakeholders to align training with company objectives

- Innovate training delivery methods using technology, gamification and blended learning approaches

- Build, lead and mentor a team of trainers to deliver high quality training across the network.

Required Qualifications:

- 5-7 years of experience in training/learning & development, preferably in retail, FMCG, hospitality, or franchising sectors

- Minimum 3 years in the retail industry, with exposure to convenience stores, quick-service restaurants, or organised retail chains

- Proven track record of designing and implementing successful training programmes for frontline staff or business owners

- Experience working with diverse stakeholders including franchisees, store managers, or independent business owners

Education:

- Bachelor's degree in any discipline (Business, Retail Management, Education, or related fields preferred)

- Certification in Training & Development, Adult Learning, or Instructional Design is a strong plus

Skills & Competencies:

- Content Creation: Ability to develop clear, engaging training materials (PPTs, videos, handbooks, SOPs) in simple, easy-to-understand language

- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Functional knowledge of Kannada would be a bonus.

- Field Orientation: High energy levels with willingness to travel extensively within the city and comfort working in diverse store environments

- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to identify root causes of operational issues and design practical solutions

- Measurement & Analytics: Comfortable working with data, creating assessment tools, and tracking training effectiveness

- Technology: Proficiency in Excel, learning management systems (LMS) and digital content creation tools.

- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Understanding of the challenges faced by small business owners and ability to empathise with their perspective.

Working Conditions:

- Location: Based in Bengaluru with frequent travel across store locations

- Travel: 40-50% field time visiting stores across the city