OPT Learning And Development Specialist Jobs
Learning and Development Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in education, organizational psychology, human resources, or instructional design. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations for OPT authorization, and employers in corporate training, healthcare, and tech actively hire candidates on OPT.
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Make a Difference in YOUR Career!
Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.
We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.
Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.
Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?
Summary Description:
- The Learning and Development Specialist supports the design, delivery, and execution of leadership development and learning initiatives across Refresco North America. This role plays a critical part in facilitating high-impact learning experiences, supporting leadership programs, and ensuring operational excellence in program execution. The Specialist partners closely with the Learning & Development Manager and business leaders to deliver engaging leadership development experiences that build capability, strengthen culture, and drive performance across the organization. This position requires strong facilitation skills, operational discipline, and the ability to build credibility with leaders at all levels.
- This role serves as a key facilitator of leadership capability across Refresco North America and requires regular travel (approximately 40–60%) to support in-person program delivery and business partnership.
Essential Functions:
- Facilitate leadership development programs and other leadership initiatives.
- Lead breakout sessions, experiential learning activities, case studies, and coaching simulations.
- Model Refresco Leadership Behaviors in delivery and interaction.
- Create psychologically safe learning environments that encourage participation and growth.
- Travel to various plant and corporate locations to deliver programs.
- Coordinate program logistics including materials, participant communication, supplies, room setup, and session preparation.
- Manage participant rosters, attendance tracking, and follow-up communication.
- Partner with HRBPs and business leaders to ensure program readiness and alignment.
- Support program evaluation processes including survey distribution and feedback collection.
- Ensure a high-quality, seamless learner experience across all programs.
- Update and refine training materials, facilitator guides, and participant workbooks.
- Assist in developing reinforcement tools such as job aids, microlearning, and digital learning resources.
- Support content builds and updates within the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Ensure materials reflect current business priorities and leadership expectations.
- Assist with curriculum deployment within the LMS (SuccessFactors experience preferred).
- Support tracking and reporting of program participation and completion.
- Compile summary data and insights to support program effectiveness and continuous improvement.
- Help maintain leadership development documentation and processes.
- Identify opportunities to enhance leadership development experiences.
- Partner cross-functionally with HR, Operations, and other stakeholders to align learning initiatives with business needs.
- Stay informed on learning trends and facilitation best practices.
- Support a culture of growth, accountability, and development across the organization.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Leadership Responsibilities:
Individual Contributor
- Influences through facilitation and credibility rather than direct authority.
- Demonstrates leadership presence when working with managers and senior leaders.
- Acts as a culture ambassador for Leadership Behaviors and development initiatives.
Competencies:
- Strong facilitation and presentation skills. Ability to influence and build credibility with leaders. Project management and organizational discipline. Collaboration and cross-functional partnership. Analytical thinking and problem-solving. High accountability and attention to detail. Adaptability and comfort in dynamic environments.
- Leadership - Foster a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust, lead courageously on a day-to-day basis, and inspire growth with a clear and ambitious vision that guides the collective effort toward success.
Required Skills:
- Ability to design and facilitate curriculum based on business insights.
- Demonstrate experience facilitating leadership or professional development programs.
- Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to develop a team environment promoting internal growth.
- High level of accountability, quality, and innovation (strives for high performance, emphasizes problem prevention, develops ideas for improvement, document new processes, ensures accuracy of information).
- Confident, motivated, flexible attitude.
- Ability to prioritize and multi-task in an organized, detailed manner, given limited time frames.
- Comfortable working independently and showing initiative.
- Proficient in Excel and Word, and able to learn other software applications.
- Strong team player who is able to work across multiple functions.
- Ability to analyze and solve problems.
- Ability to negotiate conflict and maintain constructive working relationships with people at all levels of an organization.
- Maintains and improves associate morale.
- Ability to balance multiple tasks with changing priorities.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Adaptable to change.
- Willingness to travel as needed.
Education and Experience:
- Post-Secondary Diploma or equivalent with a concentration in Human Resources.
- Typically requires 3–5 years of relevant experience in Learning & Development, Talent Development, or leadership training.
- Experience facilitating instructor-led training required.
- Experience supporting multi-location or large-scale leadership programs preferred.
- Solid knowledge of learning & development industry trends.
- Experience with Learning Management System (LMS), SuccessFactors experience preferred.
Working Conditions:
Physical Demands – Combination of seated administrative work and active facilitation. Requires standing for extended periods during training delivery and occasional lifting of materials up to 20 lbs.
Visual/Sensory – This position requires attention to detail, requiring attention with one or two senses at a time. Requires the ability to observe and respond to group dynamics during live sessions.
Work environment – Fast-paced and dynamic, supporting both corporate and plant environments. Requires flexibility, travel, and adaptability to changing priorities.
Mental Stress – Manages multiple programs, deadlines, and high-visibility facilitation with leaders across the organization.
Travel Requirements:
- Based in Tampa corporate office.
- Regular travel (approximately 40–60%) to deliver leadership programs at plant and corporate locations across North America.
Other Duties:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
A Career with Refresco
Refresco is passionate about empowering leaders who reflect our core values and live by our leadership behaviors. These behaviors encourage effective leadership within the business, and focus on leading courageously, empowering individuals, and driving company growth as one team. Joining our team as a people manager means you’ll be encouraged to evolve as a leader who prioritizes the success of both you and your team, to deliver results, whilst bringing your authentic self to work.
Refresco Beverages US Inc. offers the following competitive pay and comprehensive benefits:
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
- Short-term disability and long-term disability
- Pet Insurance
- Legal Benefits
- 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days
- Well-being Benefit
- Discount and Total Reward Programs
Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!
Any employment agency, person, or entity that submits a résumé to this career site or a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Refresco Beverages US, Inc. Refresco Beverages, US Inc., will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity.
Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages US, Inc., and have been engaged in a search shall submit a résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or, upon authorization, submit a résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees.
Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
See all 58+ OPT Learning And Development Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Learning And Development Specialist
Frame your degree as a direct match
L&D roles require a bachelor's degree in a specific field like instructional design, education, or HR to qualify as a specialty occupation. Lead your application by connecting your exact degree to the job's training and curriculum development requirements.
Highlight instructional design tools you know
Employers hiring on OPT want candidates who can contribute immediately. Proficiency in tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or LMS platforms such as Workday Learning signals you're ready to build training content from day one.
Target industries with high training demand
Healthcare systems, financial services firms, and large technology companies maintain dedicated L&D teams and are more accustomed to sponsoring international talent. These employers hire L&D specialists regularly and often have established OPT and H-1B visa processes.
Address OPT duration proactively in your cover letter
STEM OPT extension is not available for most L&D roles unless your employer is E-Verify enrolled and your degree qualifies. Be upfront about your OPT end date and mention your timeline clearly so employers can plan for H-1B sponsorship.
Use your capstone or internship projects as proof
L&D hiring managers respond to evidence of real training outcomes. Bring specific examples from coursework, internships, or campus projects showing you designed a curriculum, facilitated a workshop, or improved a training program with measurable results.
Browse OPT-friendly L&D roles on Migrate Mate
Not every L&D job listing makes OPT eligibility clear upfront. Migrate Mate filters for employers who sponsor work visas, saving you time and making it easier to identify companies genuinely open to hiring F-1 OPT candidates for training roles.
Learning And Development Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Learning and Development Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations for OPT?
Most Learning and Development Specialist positions qualify as specialty occupations because they typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in instructional design, education, organizational development, or a related field. The key is that the job description must require a specific degree, not just any bachelor's degree. If the posting says 'bachelor's preferred' rather than 'required,' that can weaken your case for OPT authorization and future H-1B sponsorship.
Can I use my STEM OPT extension as a Learning and Development Specialist?
It depends on your undergraduate or graduate degree. STEM OPT extension is only available if your degree is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in instructional technology or educational technology may qualify, but degrees in general education, HR, or organizational psychology typically do not. Your employer must also be E-Verify enrolled. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify for the 24-month extension.
Which employers hire Learning and Development Specialists on OPT?
Large healthcare networks, financial institutions, consulting firms, and technology companies are the most consistent hirers of L&D specialists on OPT. These organizations run structured training programs, have dedicated HR and talent development teams, and are more familiar with work authorization requirements than smaller companies. Migrate Mate lists L&D roles specifically from employers open to sponsoring F-1 OPT candidates, which narrows your search considerably.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch from a training role to a different L&D function?
OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your major area of study. Moving between L&D functions, such as from facilitating training to designing e-learning content, is generally fine as long as the new role still connects to your degree. However, shifting into a general HR generalist or project management role with no training component could put your OPT compliance at risk. Always confirm changes with your DSO before accepting a new position or title.
How should I explain my OPT status to L&D hiring managers who are unfamiliar with it?
Keep it simple and focus on what matters to them: you're authorized to work in the U.S. right now, your authorization lasts through your OPT end date, and no employer action is required to hire you during that period. If they ask about long-term sponsorship, explain that the H-1B process begins about a year before your OPT expires, giving the company time to prepare. Most L&D hiring managers respond well when you frame it as a straightforward timeline rather than a legal complication.