At rue21, we believe fashion should be fun and accessible to all. As a leading specialty retailer, we’re different, we’re unique—just like you. rue21 combines a shopping experience designed to fit the individuality of our customers with a community to foster love, advocate change and empower each other through what we wear and what we do. Join our team and be #YOUinrue.

LIVING OUR VALUES:

Inclusivity: rue21 embraces all of you. We promote individuality and celebrate our differences. All are accepted, respected and welcome. Integrity: We own our words, our actions, and our results. We set our standard high by thinking big. It matters how we show up and how we play the game. Collaboration: Together we are rue21. We listen and support each other and achieve our collective goals together. Curiosity: We don’t ask why, we ask why not? We are agile and are driven by new ideas and original thinking. We are passionate and believe anything is possible. Community: Our power is our people; our community of customers, associates and partners. We care, we connect, we listen and we deliver.

Your Role

Serve as a strategic partner focused on identifying training needs, for teams and individuals and will be responsible for managing, designing, developing, coordinating and conducting all corporate training programs.

The Learning & Development HR Business Partner (“L&D HRBP”) will leverage business group knowledge to identify and implement HR related improvement opportunities across the functions that they support. The role will be a collaborative and trusted partner and advisor to their clients while executing HR strategies to develop talent, workforce planning, colleague engagement, associate retention, and support organizational design initiatives and effective business performance.

The role will be approximately 65% Learning & Development and 35% HR Business Partner for the Corporate office in Warrendale, PA

This position reports to the Director, HR Employee Relations and Talent Acquisition.

What will you do? - Responsibilities

Learning & Development

• Understand the business strategy and help drive key HR programs by ppartnering with leadership to assess and identify skills or knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to ensure alignment with business needs.
• Map out and lead innovative development strategies and effective learning programs.
• Design and develop appropriate training programs/methods/activities.
• Use known education principles and stay up to date on new training methods and techniques.
• Assess and monitor instructional effectiveness and determine the impact of training on employee skills and KPIs.
• Gather feedback after each educational session.
• Maintain updated curriculum database and training records.
• Host train-the-trainer sessions for internal subject matter experts
• Function as a trusted advisor to managers to develop relevant career development pathways and managers competencies for career growth conversations.

HR Business Partner

• Maintains an effective level of business literacy about the business unit’s financial position and midrange plans.
• Partners closely with leadership or managerial teams to improve the effectiveness and performance of both individuals and teams
• Assist in building and executing workforce and leadership succession plans including an overview and assessment of current talent
• Establish credibility throughout the organization in order to be an effective listener and problem solver of people issues
• Act as change agent for management in the development of solutions through organizational development and cultural and process-orientated perspectives.
• Provides day-today performance management guidance to line management (coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions)
• Collect, analyze, and articulate business requirements and challenges, and translate them into executable HR initiatives
• Collaborate with HR Functions (compensation, benefits, employee relations, HRIS) to deliver effective HR solutions aligned to business strategies
• Leads the performance management, talent review business (using the tools provided), including identifying high performing leaders and ensuring development plans are in place.
• Ensure timelines and deadlines are met.
• Other duties may be assigned.

What do you bring to the table? - Education and Experience

• Expert knowledge of instructional design, adult learning principles and training approaches
• Technical aptitude or experience to work with a Learning Management System (LMS}, online development tools, and Microsoft Office tools
• Solid knowledge of Learning & Development vendor market
• Highly engaging and collaborative style in working cross-functionally.
• Well organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail; ensures work is accurate and error-free
• Proactive, self-starter, able to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Positive attitude and work ethic; unafraid to ask questions and explore new ideas
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work within a diverse team

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or Education or related field, or equivalent
• 8+ years of strategic knowledge and experience designing, developing, and facilitating in-person and virtual learning experiences in a business setting
• Ability to assess skills and knowledge and determine what developmental solution is needed.
• Knowledge and experience in instructional design and on demand learning approaches
• Design and development of instructional materials in a variety of media
• Demonstrated ability to encourage participation and motivate learners.

What’s in it for you!

Comprehensive Benefit Package

• Generous PTO offerings
• 401K Retirement Plan with company match
• Health, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Company sponsored Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account/Dependent Care
• Employee Assistance Program - Confidential support programs for associates and families

Employee Discounts

• 40% off full price merchandise in stores and on-line
• Perks at Work – Savings program on brands, travel, dining and more

This summary of benefits is reflective of a range of those available and may not apply to all employees.

Please be aware that the Company requires employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19.  This position will require the successful candidate to show proof that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  The Company is an equal opportunity employer, and will provide reasonable accommodation to those individuals who are unable to be vaccinated consistent with federal, state, and local law.

At rue21 we believe everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. Inclusion is in our DNA, and we embrace each individual’s unique story they have to tell.

#LI-JB