Director of Learning & Development - Restaurant
Birmingham, AL
Full Time
Leap Brands
Senior Manager/Supervisor
Position Summary:
The Director of Learning & Development will be responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving training programs for restaurant operations, leadership development, and career pathing across the organization. This role will ensure that all employees—from hourly team members to general managers to corporate leaders—are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to succeed and grow with the brand.
Responsibilities:
Learning Strategy & Program Design:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive L&D strategy aligned with company goals, culture, and operational standards.
- Build scalable training programs for hourly team members, restaurant managers, and field leadership teams.
- Partner with brand leadership to identify skills gaps and design targeted solutions to address them.
Onboarding & Training Delivery:
- Oversee onboarding programs for new hires at all levels to ensure consistent brand immersion and operational excellence.
- Implement blended learning solutions (in-person, digital, on-the-job training) to meet the needs of a multi-unit restaurant workforce.
- Ensure training programs drive measurable improvements in guest experience, productivity, and retention.
Leadership Development:
- Create leadership training paths for high-potential team members, future GMs, district managers, and corporate leaders.
- Implement mentorship and coaching programs to support succession planning.
Learning Tools & Technology:
- Evaluate and implement Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other training technologies.
- Develop standardized training materials, job aids, and operational manuals for all locations.
Measurement & Continuous Improvement:
- Establish KPIs to measure training effectiveness and ROI.
- Collect feedback from operators, franchisees (if applicable), and learners to continuously refine programs.
Culture & Engagement:
- Partner with HR and Operations leaders to build a culture of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure programs support company values, diversity & inclusion, and employee engagement.
Qualifications:
- 8+ years of progressive experience in training, learning & development, or HR leadership within the restaurant, retail, or hospitality industry.
- Proven success designing and delivering scalable, results-driven training programs in a multi-unit environment.
- Strong understanding of restaurant operations and frontline employee challenges.
- Experience implementing LMS platforms and other digital learning tools.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and project management skills.
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence at all levels of the organization.
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or relevant certifications (CPTD, CPLP, etc.) preferred.
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