Director of Training & Technology

Position Summary

The Director of Training & Technology is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving FoodWorks Hospitality Group's learning and operational technology strategy across all restaurant concepts. This leader will build scalable training programs that create operational consistency while preserving the unique culture and identity of each brand.

Working closely with Operations, Culinary, Marketing, and Executive Leadership, this role will ensure every team member—from hourly employees to senior managers—has the tools, knowledge, and technology needed to consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences.

In addition to leading training initiatives, the Director will oversee the implementation, optimization, and adoption of restaurant technology platforms that improve operational efficiency and team performance.

Training Strategy & Development

• Design and lead a comprehensive company-wide training strategy across all FoodWorks concepts. 
• Develop standardized onboarding programs for managers, front-of-house, and back-of-house employees. 
• Build role-specific certification pathways and career development programs. 
• Create leadership development initiatives that strengthen the internal talent pipeline. 
• Establish company-wide training standards while allowing each concept to maintain its individual brand identity. 
• Develop operational playbooks, SOPs, service standards, and training documentation. 
• Create engaging learning content including videos, digital courses, assessments, and reference guides. 

Technology Leadership

• Serve as the organizational owner of restaurant training technology. 
• Evaluate, implement, and manage a Learning Management System (LMS). 
• Partner with Operations on technology rollouts including: 
  • Toast POS 
  • Online ordering platforms 
  • Scheduling systems 
  • Communication tools 
  • Future operational technologies 
• Ensure restaurant teams receive effective training and ongoing support for all company systems. 
• Identify technology opportunities that improve consistency, productivity, and the guest experience. 

Operational Partnership

• Spend regular time working inside restaurants to understand operational challenges firsthand. 
• Collaborate with restaurant leadership to identify opportunities for improvement. 
• Support new restaurant openings through training execution and operational readiness. 
• Coach managers on training execution and accountability. 
• Gather feedback from the field and continuously improve programs. 

Leadership Development

• Design clear career progression pathways. 
• Develop future restaurant leaders through structured leadership programs. 
• Create succession planning tools for management positions. 
• Build a long-term team of certified trainers to support restaurant openings and organizational growth. 

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Establish measurable KPIs for training effectiveness. 
• Track onboarding completion and certification progress. 
• Measure operational consistency across concepts. 
• Analyze guest feedback and operational performance to identify training opportunities. 
• Continuously improve training systems based on business needs.

Required Experience

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in restaurant operations, training, learning & development, or hospitality management. 
• Experience designing and implementing multi-unit training programs. 
• Strong understanding of both full-service and quick-service restaurant operations. 
• Experience implementing or managing restaurant technology platforms (Toast, LMS platforms, scheduling systems, online ordering, etc.). 
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence without direct authority. 
• Excellent communication, presentation, coaching, and facilitation skills. 
• Strong organizational, project management, and change management abilities. 
• Comfortable creating digital learning content, SOPs, videos, and instructional materials. 

Travel Requirements

• This is an on-site leadership position and is not eligible for remote work. 
• Frequent travel (approximately 50–75%) is required between FoodWorks Hospitality Group restaurant locations, corporate offices, training sessions, and new restaurant openings. 
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain reliable transportation. 
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require, including support during restaurant openings, training events, and operational initiatives. 

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to actively work in restaurant environments and perform the essential functions of the role, including:

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout restaurant locations. 
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30 pounds on an occasional basis. 
• Bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and climb stairs as needed while observing operations and conducting training. 
• Demonstrate operational procedures and equipment safely in both front-of-house and back-of-house environments. 
• Work in varying restaurant conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, humidity, loud noise, and busy kitchen environments. 
• Use a computer, tablet, and mobile devices for extended periods to develop training materials and manage learning platforms. 
• Travel between multiple restaurant locations on a regular basis. 

The ideal candidate is:

• A builder who enjoys creating systems from the ground up. 
• Passionate about developing people and future leaders. 
• Equally comfortable in the boardroom and on the restaurant floor. 
• Curious about technology and continuous improvement. 
• Adaptable, hands-on, and willing to roll up their sleeves. 
• Able to inspire teams while holding high standards for accountability and execution. 

Success in this role requires a hands-on leader who is energized by working alongside restaurant teams, embraces change, and is passionate about creating exceptional experiences for both employees and guests through operational excellence, learning, and technology.