DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

Job Title: Director of Learning & Development
Location: **Qualified applications must live in either Los Angeles, Chicago, or Dallas, TX
Reports To: Chief People Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $150,000 - $175,000
Summary:
At Mendocino Farms, learning and development is more than instruction—it’s how we scale People, Purpose, and Passion. As we grow into new markets and expand our impact, we’re looking for a Director of Learning & Development who can help us preserve the heart of Mendo while building the skills and systems for what’s next.

This role goes beyond training execution—it’s about leadership cultivation, cultural continuity, and helping every Team Member—from new hires to senior leaders—grow in knowledge, confidence, and connection. You’ll lead a passionate team that brings to life the tools, stories, and experiences that reflect our Head, Heart & Soul, while ensuring our learning strategy evolves with Mendo’s business needs.

At Mendo, our food and hospitality are designed to make people feel good. We sell happy—and that lives not just in our recipes and service, but in how we onboard, train, and develop our people. That’s not just language on a wall or in a workbook—it’s a promise we make real every day. If you’re someone who sees learning as a vehicle for shaping not just performance but culture, and who leads with both curiosity and care—you’ll feel at home here.

Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive learning and development strategy that aligns with Mendocino Farms' business goals and supports Team Member growth across all levels
• Lead and manage a team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge learning solutions that equip Team Members with necessary skills and knowledge to operationally perform their job duties
• Design and execute training programs encompassing managerial and leadership development, culinary skills, hospitality, and building and enhancing company culture across the organization, in the field and in base camp
• Partner with C-Suite & Ops Leadership on infusing brand-appropriate leadership development, team effectiveness training and culture-building activities in company-wide events such as the Annual GM Leadership Summit, Quarterly Leadership gatherings, All Hooves Meetings, etc.
• Oversee and enhance a robust and scalable onboarding process for all new team members, inclusive of a unique experience for base camp
• Integrate Mendocino Farms' core values and "Eat Happy" ethos into all learning and development activities
• Assess current learning landscape and identify training and development needs across the organization
• Implement innovative learning technologies and methodologies to enhance training effectiveness
• Collaborate cross functionally with Ops Leadership, Ops Services and the broader People Team to develop and implement technology-based learning initiatives
• Measure and evaluate the impact of training programs on Team Member and Manager performance and business outcomes
• Guide teams through organizational changes by implementing change management initiatives
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, coaching and improvement throughout the organization
• Develop training roadmaps and curricula to meet organizational growth and evolving needs
• Oversee the development and maintenance of content for the Learning Management System (LMS)
• Implement a centralized digital repository where all documents are stored and easily accessible to authorized Team Members to ensure that everyone works with the same information, reducing duplication and improving collaboration
• Directly manages subject matter experts in Hourly Training, New Manager (Operational) Training Programs, Instructional Design

Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in Organizational Development, Human Resources, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 7-10+ years of experience in training management and leadership development
• Proven track record in developing and implementing successful learning strategies in the restaurant or hospitality industry
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design, and educational technology
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Ability to think strategically and align learning initiatives with business objectives
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Proficiency in learning management systems and e-learning technologies
• Passion for food and hospitality, aligning with Mendocino Farms' culinary focus
• Experience in curriculum development and ability to create engaging, interactive training content
• Knowledge of performance management s