Learning Development Assistant Jobs in Cottage Grove, MN

Location: 100% On-Site | Corporate Headquarters  in Edina, MN
Compensation: $85,000 - $90,000 salary + comprehensive benefits and paid time off
Reports to: Director of Human Resources

Minnesota Cannabis Services (MCS) is a corporate services and consulting firm supporting more than 50 retail, manufacturing, and delivery businesses across multiple states. We specialize in building the operational, financial, and people systems that power large-scale growth in the cannabis industry.

Our culture is grounded in meritocratic values - rewarding results, accountability, and professional excellence. We believe in empowering capable people with the tools, training, and autonomy to grow based on performance and impact.

The Learning & Development Manager (L&D Manager) will design, implement, and manage training and development programs across all MCS divisions - retail, manufacturing, logistics, and corporate. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in high-volume, fast-paced environments and can bring structure, technology, and creativity to the process of training hundreds of employees quickly and effectively.

This is a hands-on, tech-driven position that blends strategy with execution. The L&D Manager will oversee training systems, track employee progress, and lead the development of a company-wide "University" that delivers consistent, scalable learning experiences across states.

They will also collaborate with HR to manage corporate employee training, new hire orientation, and onboarding activities, while ensuring that learning and growth remain tied to measurable results and organizational excellence.

This position may require up to 25% travel around the state of Minnesota for on-site trainings as well as occasional visits to the U.S. West Coast. Advanced notice of at least one week will be provided.

• Design and implement training programs for retail, manufacturing, delivery, and corporate staff.
  
• Create structured learning pathways for each department and role, ensuring quality and consistency across all locations.
  
• Oversee rollout of all training content and track completion and certification progress.
  
• Build feedback systems that measure training effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
  
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and operational training requirements.
  

• Lead implementation of a company-wide Learning Management System (LMS) to centralize all training initiatives.
  
• Build and brand the internal MCS University, complete with courses, career tracks, and certification models.
  
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to digitize and automate training delivery.
  
• Use analytics to monitor participation, retention, and performance outcomes.
  

• Develop and maintain structured Employee Development Plans (EDPs) to support career advancement and succession readiness.
  
• Align growth pathways with performance expectations and company needs.
  
• Partner with leadership to identify top talent for promotion and further development.
  
• Create data-backed systems that recognize achievement and foster internal mobility based on merit and results.

• Leverage AI tools to streamline training operations, generate content, and personalize learning experiences.
  
• Use technology to automate reporting, scheduling, and communication with trainees.
  
• Stay ahead of L&D technology trends and continually implement new systems to enhance efficiency.
  
• Demonstrate high technical competency and an ability to train others on digital platforms.
  

• Lead corporate New Hire Orientation sessions and coordinate training schedules for all new employees.
  
• Support onboarding logistics and cross-department coordination for new hires.
  
• Assist with general HR activities such as benefits administration, compliance training, and employee documentation.
  
• Partner with the HR team to maintain consistency between training, policy, and cultural alignment.
  

• Manage all training calendars, scheduling, and resource coordination across departments.
  
• Track training completion rates, certifications, and advancement eligibility.
  
• Prepare regular reports and dashboards for leadership review.
  
• Serve as the central point of contact for training logistics and troubleshooting.
  

You are a highly organized, innovative, and tech-savvy learning professional who can translate complex operations into effective training systems. You thrive on structure, efficiency, and measurable progress - and believe in empowering employees through clear, merit-based development opportunities.

Qualifications:

• 5-8 years of Learning & Development or Training experience in retail, hospitality, manufacturing, or other high-volume industries.
  
• Proven success managing training programs for 200+ employees simultaneously.
  
• Strong experience with LMS systems and digital learning tools.
  
• Skilled in tracking training progress, reporting metrics, and evaluating results.
  
• High technical proficiency and comfort using AI and automation tools for productivity.
  
• Excellent communication, organization, and scheduling skills.
  
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
  

• Company-wide "MCS University" successfully launched within three months of hire.
  
• Real-time tracking of employee training progress and certification status.
  
• Accelerated employee time-to-productivity and measurable development outcomes.
  
• Consistent, compliant onboarding across all departments and states.
  
• AI-driven automation improves L&D efficiency and scalability by measurable margins.
  

This is a unique opportunity to design the learning backbone of a fast-scaling organization. As Learning & Development Manager, you'll build the programs, systems, and tools that empower hundreds of employees to grow through performance and achievement. You'll have the autonomy to innovate, the resources to scale, and the chance to shape a culture built on excellence, accountability, and merit-based advancement.