Formations Inc. is a leading supplier and manufacturer of decorative and functional interior building products, with over 35 years of success supporting design, millwork, and building materials industries across Western Canada. We're a stable, well-respected organization with a tenured team and a family-first culture — we work hard, move quickly, and deliver results, while genuinely prioritizing balance, well-being, and long-term career growth.
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Reports To: Director, Human Resources
Direct Reports: Not Applicable
About the Role
We're looking for a Manager, Product Knowledge & Training to build and lead a structured learning and development function at Formations. This role owns the design, development, and delivery of product knowledge, sales, customer service, supervisory, and management training across the organization — using a mix of internal expertise, vendor partnerships, and digital learning tools to grow a more capable, confident workforce.
You'll partner closely with Human Resources, Marketing, the Director team, and our Product Knowledge Specialist to identify learning gaps, build curriculum, and roll out training that drives real results on the floor, in the branches, and in front of customers. This is a hands-on, builder role for someone who enjoys creating training from the ground up and wants to see their work directly shape how people grow at work.
Key Responsibilities
Training Strategy & Department Participation
- Partners with Human Resources, Marketing, and the Director team to craft annual training priorities and a multi-year curriculum plan that addresses product knowledge, sales, customer service, supervisory, and management gaps.
- Builds a high level of product knowledge across all Formations distribution and manufactured products, including features, functionality, and technical aspects.
- Stays current on trends in training & development, adult learning strategies, and vendor product training, bringing new ideas forward to leadership.
- Establishes relationships with external consultants, vendors, and training firms to extend internal expertise where needed.
- Prepares periodic reports and presents progress on learning and development goals to HR, Marketing, and Director-level stakeholders.
Learning & Training Development
- Designs and leads training needs assessments in conjunction with HR, Marketing, and Branch Operations leadership to pinpoint gaps in product knowledge, sales, customer service, and supervisory/management skills.
- Develops and deploys e-learning content using authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline and Articulate Rise 360, alongside a Learning Management System (LMS).
- Leads the Product Knowledge Specialist and collaborates with subject matter experts to translate technical product information into engaging, accessible training content.
- Designs and facilitates supervisory and management development programs in partnership with Human Resources.
- Evaluates training effectiveness on an ongoing basis, tracking attendance, completion, and impact, and adjusts programming accordingly.
- Researches and recommends new learning technologies and tools (e-learning authoring software, video editing tools, engagement and feedback platforms, etc.).
- Travels to branch locations as needed to deliver and support training initiatives.
- Coordinates warehouse and manufacturing training and skill development for supervisors and lead hands.
- Builds a mentoring program connecting warehouse/manufacturing supervisors with Director-level mentors.
What You Bring
- Post-secondary education in Adult Education, Instructional Design, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience designing and developing training using Articulate Storyline and Articulate Rise 360.
- A strong background in adult learning principles and instructional design, with the ability to translate technical or product knowledge into effective training content.
- Working knowledge of instructional design models and frameworks, such as ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) and Bloom's Taxonomy, to structure learning objectives and content.
- Familiarity with adult learning theory (andragogy), including how to design for motivation, relevance, and varied learning styles in a workforce setting.
- Experience applying evaluation models such as Kirkpatrick's Four Levels (Reaction, Learning, Behavior, Results) to measure training effectiveness and business impact.
- Understanding of microlearning, blended learning, and scenario-based design principles to keep content engaging and digestible for a busy, frontline workforce.
- Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital/blended learning delivery.
- Comfort working cross-functionally with HR, Marketing, and Director-level stakeholders to align training with business priorities.
- Strong facilitation and presentation skills, with experience delivering both in-person and virtual training.
- Self-starter who thrives building programs from the ground up in a growing, fast-moving organization.
- Willingness to travel to branch locations as required.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation package with 100% company sponsored health and dental benefits
- A generous flexible benefit program, including options for:
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Personal Spending Account (PSA)
- RRSP contributions
As part of our selection process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a TRAITS Assessment. Participation in this assessment is mandatory to be considered for the role. We look forward to reviewing your application!
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