Director of Learning and Development

The Director of Learning and Development is a hands-on role responsible for the strategic development and implementation of the training standards, strategy, and learning tools that meet the evolving needs of the business and achieve desired results. This position will work directly with incoming franchisees, franchise and corporate retail associates, and corporate staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Content Development and Curriculum Design

• Collaborate with business units and internal/external SMEs to develop learning programs across leadership functions aligned with competencies and strategies
• Identify curriculum and processes (including instructor-led, off-the-shelf, computer/web-based, and multi-media).
• Create training programs, schedules, and plans to assist with onboarding and the retail associate training roadmap, such as service & system training, processes, and SOPs etc.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to lead and execute the field training programs, curriculum, and learning systems. Lead the implementation of technology-based learning initiatives.
• Contribute to the creation of new content for the LMS. Supervise the development or acquisition of new programs.
• Ensure all curricula and courseware are high quality, innovative, legally compliant, and drive strategic business objectives and desired behaviors.

Training Delivery and Measurement

• Drive the development and delivery of computer-based training (CBT) as a learning solution. Provide standards and protocols, and meet franchise industry guidelines.
• Manage and maintain the Learning Management System (LMS). Ensure proper implementation and usage. Provide technical support to users.
• Track ROI and regularly report on key training metrics to determine the effectiveness of all training and development programs.
• Partner cross-functionally to assess, design, and deliver high-quality, effective training that promotes the brand and company initiatives.
• Partner cross-functionally to source and/or develop training programs for general business skills, compliance, and management and leadership development to meet the long-term and short-term development needs of the company and associates.
• Monitor and evaluate training programs' effectiveness. Forecast annual programs to meet organizational needs.

Organizational Change Management and Development

• Create training programs to reinforce organizational changes and increase adoption to improve company performance.
• Develop materials, such as process guides, fact sheets, job aids, instructional guides, Web content, etc., that promote change initiatives
• Partner with HR to develop programs to meet organizational growth and to attract, develop, evaluate, and mobilize talent throughout the organization

Department and People Management

• Ensure training needs are met most cost-effectively based on currently available training technology and resources.
• Source and manage external vendors to assist with learning and ID projects.

• Prepare and manage an operational and labor budget.
• Provide leadership and creative thinking to facilitate fast improvements in processes and working relationships.
• Create a positive team culture of execution through clear goals, expectations, ethics, methods, measurements, and validation to achieve desired results
• Contribute to the growth and development of associates through training, coaching, communication, recognition, and support. Execute performance evaluations and documentation promptly.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Adult Education, Instructional Design, or related.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive training and instructional design experience. Experience should include both operational training and skills/leadership training. Current knowledge of innovative adult learning techniques and methodologies.
• Prior training experience in retail, hospitality, or the restaurant industry, strongly desired. Proven experience designing and developing practical systems and processes for core training delivery both in-house and in the field.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, LMS/CBT technology, and other related training delivery software and m