Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

The Director of Training – Restaurant Operations is responsible for designing, implementing, and leading company-wide training strategies across all restaurant operations. This role ensures operational consistency, compliance, and excellence through the development of best-in-class training systems for both new restaurant openings and existing locations.

This leader will build and manage a high-impact training function that develops strong operators, enhances guest experience, and strengthens overall company culture.

Key Responsibilities

Training Strategy & Development

• Design, implement, and continuously improve company-wide training programs
• Evaluate existing training systems and incorporate best practices for operational excellence
• Ensure training programs align with brand standards, culture, and business goals
• Develop structured learning paths for leaders and hourly team members

New Restaurant Openings

• Lead training execution for all new restaurant openings
• Develop detailed opening plans including milestones, staffing models, budgets, and timelines
• Coordinate with operations, HR, and support teams to ensure successful launches
• Conduct pre-opening training and on-site support to ensure long-term operational success
• Lead post-opening reviews to refine performance and training effectiveness

Compliance & Certification

• Manage all compliance training programs (Food Safety, Alcohol Awareness, Anti-Harassment, Heat Safety, etc.)
• Ensure all training materials remain current with federal, state, and local regulations
• Oversee certification tracking, audits, and documentation for all team members
• Establish and maintain systems for remote training validation and compliance verification

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a team of training professionals
• Oversee onboarding, orientation, and on-the-job training execution for new hires
• Partner with operations and HR to align training with talent development needs
• Support recruiting efforts as needed, including interviews and hiring recommendations

Systems & Reporting

• Maintain training records and learning management system (LMS) accuracy (e.g., UKG, Schoox, or similar platforms)
• Track training completion, attendance, and certification status across the organization
• Provide regular reporting updates to operations and leadership teams
• Work with marketing and internal teams to develop training materials and visual tools

Qualifications

• Must be 21+ years of age
• 8+ years of experience in restaurant operations, hospitality, or training/project management
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing direct reports
• Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development, Business, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Prior experience as a General Manager or Assistant General Manager strongly preferred
• Experience with Learning Management Systems (UKG, Schoox, or similar)
• Strong background in new restaurant openings and operations training
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

Skills & Competencies

• Strong operational and restaurant industry knowledge
• Ability to design training programs from the ground up
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong project management and organizational abilities
• High attention to detail with strong follow-through
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional initiatives
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of labor laws, compliance, and food safety regulations
• Proven leadership, influence, and relationship-building skills

Why This Role

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for shaping how teams are trained and developed across the entire restaurant system. The ideal candidate is passionate about operational excellence, people development, and building scalable systems that support long-term growth.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee discounts and meal programs
• Recognition programs, celebrations, and awards
• Growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization

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