Manager of Training and Communications

This job is located at 1 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL, 60606

PLS® Overview: 

Why PLS? Because You Deserve Better!®  PLS — which stands for People – Location – Service — is a leading retail provider of financial services. The “P” comes first, because our customers are at the center of everything we do, and we recognize that it’s our exceptional team members who go above and beyond every day. The PLS Group, headquartered in Chicago, is comprised of over 200 financial service centers in 12 states. Through our check cashing stores, we provide consumers with convenient financial products and services to help them manage their day-to-day financial needs. Although many of our customers have banking relationships, we believe that our customers use our financial services because they are convenient, transparent, and frequently more affordable than available traditional alternatives. PLS was founded in 1997 by Bob and Dan Wolfberg, who serve as Co-Presidents.

Position Overview: 

Our Manager of Training and Communications will assess, design, develop, and implement effective learning and communication solutions in support of core organizational functions and business processes. This includes gathering and analyzing information from the field, partnering closely with key stakeholders and subject matter experts, managing multiple projects, and prioritizing work efforts for our Instructional Designers. This individual will apply proven communication skills and experience with training evaluation, along with operational knowledge and expertise to deliver learning content that drives business results. This person will also be responsible for writing, reviewing, editing, and sending enterprise-wide internal communications.  

Job Responsibilities:

Training Development and Deployment:

• Meet with subject matter experts, key stakeholders, and end users to define requirements for a variety of learning programs and resources (functional training and leadership development).
• Recommend optimal learning solutions by applying personal expertise and feedback from field and support center partners.
• Lead a variety of training initiatives, managing all phases of projects from gathering information to developing content and managing the deployment of learning solutions.
• Complete internal reviews for our Instructional Designers and ensure all learning content is appropriately reviewed by key internal partners prior to implementation.
• Review deployed training programs on a regular basis and enhance as needed.

Training Presentation and Delivery:

• Deliver functional training and leadership development content utilizing webinar, eLearning, and instructor-led formats as appropriate.

Training Measurement and Evaluation:

• Utilize Learning Management System data to prepare reports and provide recommendations to field and support center leaders.
• Understand the four levels of evaluating learning effectiveness and apply the appropriate evaluation methods to training programs.

 Communications:

• Write, edit, publish, and act as the gatekeeper for our “Operational Bulletin” created for the purpose of centralizing field communications.
• Write and edit company communications as appropriate.
• Consult on communications content, delivery, risk, and possible and likely consequences for stakeholders.
• Manage and distribute company directories.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, education, learning & development, communications or organizational development preferred.
• 7-10 years of related work experience preferred.
• Experience leading high impact teams with a minimum of 3 direct reports.
• Ability to maintain a rigorous focus on accuracy and consistency to deliver high-quality, error-free communication and training content.
• Proven experience in overseeing the design, development, and implementation of programs or products.
• Experience communicating with a variety of groups of customers at different experience levels.
• Experience writing succinct company-wide communications for varying audiences.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Expertise with Microsoft Office programs and learning technology highly preferred (e.g., Articulate, Lectora, Captivate, Camtasia).
• Experience with Learning Management Systems highly preferred.
• Ability to quickly learn the organization’s culture, goals, and priorities in order to uphold our PLS identity and brand standards.
• Ability to communicate how training programs support our business needs.
• Experience working with financial services, tax or insurance products is desirable.
• Experience delivering communications across a diverse, nation-wide workforce.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• This role requires regular in-person collaboration with team members at our Chicago Support Center.

• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods
• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. with little assistance
• Must be able to work in restrictive spaces and maintain concentration in a busy environment with moderate to high noise levels
• Must manage several tasks at one time and handle frequent interruptions to meet the needs and requests of customers

Benefits:

Benefits for eligible team members include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), vacation, opportunities for advancement, and ongoing training.

We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at PLS:

Communication ● Customer Focus ● Integrity and Trust ● Teamwork ● Results

PLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. PLS is a drug-free workplace. PLS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Recruiter or a member of our Human Resources team at [email protected] to make arrangements. The decision on granting accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

For jobs located in the City of Los Angeles, consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment