Director of Training Development – BWW and BWW GO

This position supports brand standards and field operations team by curating best-in-class applied training learning programs for both company and franchise teams in Buffalo Wild Wings sports bars and BWW GO restaurants. This position is responsible for leading and developing a high caliber team and ensuring core learning materials are produced on a timely basis that are relevant, effective and simple for the sports bar and restaurant operations to execute. This role leads the development of the BWW Brand Operations Standards Manuals, new restaurant opening programs and key people development initiatives in support of driving execution, retention, upward mobility and profitability.  

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead the creation of role-based, blended learning solutions for for company-owned and franchised sports bars and BWW GO restaurants. Content to include hands-on learning, eLearning, manuals and user guides. 

• Leads the curation of brand Operational Standards Manual, Business Practice Manual and Food Safety Manual, to align Buffalo Wild Wings vision and purpose with knowledge and execution.  

• Leads strategy, design and implementation of all core positional training programs at all levels of operations from team member to Field Leadership 

• Curate and deploy the Management Training programs for various levels of operations 

• Leads core training program strategy for new sports bar and restaurant openings along with growth initiatives such as non-traditional formats. Develops curriculum for New Franchisee Learning in Partnership with Director, Field Training.  

• Designs scalable solutions that include a  blended approach such as coaching, workshops, and on-the-job training. 

• Strategizes, designs and implements tools, communication touchpoints and activates that reinforce ongoing learning and development that drives enhanced execution. 

• Develops tools and communication plans to support retention and upward mobility. Serves as key liaison with Inspire Talent Development and Human Resources to ensure key developmental programs are woven throughout BWW training and communications.  

• Aligns strategy of BWW sports bar and BWW GO training to support brand standards and voice. Adapts accordingly for CDR and QSR formats along with company and franchise audiences.  

• Leads service model standards and projects for both on and off-premise.  

• Fosters and cultivates strong company and interdepartmental communications. Builds effective relationships and establishes professional credibility with all levels of the organization. Work collaboratively and cross-functionally with brand and enterprise functional teams to develop relevant, engaging content for team members. 

• Leads strategy of e-learning curriculums ensuring they interact well with other training formats and partners with Manager, Learning technology and UX to ensure optimal end user experience.  

• Partners with Director, Restaurant Experience and Training to activate new training processes and curriculums. 

• Designs, develops, and implements core training programs that focus on the  guest experience through the execution of excellence with key stakeholders.  

• Evaluates the effectiveness of all core training and processes using key metrics. Keeps core curriculum programs up to date based on new rollouts and learning and development trends.  

• Brand lead for compliance and safety training development along with development of ongoing programs that support responsible alcohol service.  

• Oversees brand implementation and adoption of LEAD and other core leadership development programs. Adapts for franchise use. 

• Maintains all core training programs and processes and version control to ensure content stays current and relevant. 

• Ensures outsourced work and print costs stay within budget. 

• Develops user guides for all technology solutions to ensure training support is provided for just in time learning.  

• Develops proposals/business cases for new programs and gains sponsorship and support from key stakeholders in the organization. Stakeholder in identifying new technology for delivering content that is consistent with current generational trends to provide the most effective method of training.   

 

EDUCATION QUALIFICATION: 

• Bachelors’ degree in hospitality, training, learning and development, operations, or related field or equivalate industry experience.  

PREFERRED EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT), Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) and/or Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP). 

EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Minimum 10 years’ experience with training / operations / learning and development. 

• Proven track record of leading training functions for a multi-unit organization at Director level or above. 

• Proven track record of leading a team who executes various functions of training.  

• Strong knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design. 

• Executive presence, listening and influence ability with senior leadership. 

• Proven organizational and time management skills, and the ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines. 

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents. 

• Experience in writing policies. 

 

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Franchising experience; experience in bar, restaurant or hospitality industry. 

• Some HR experience is a plus.  

• Experience with compliance and/or responsible alcohol training programs.  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS or ABILITIES: 

• Demonstrated ability to use instructional design methods and adult learning theory to develop learning materials. 

• Demonstrated ability to develop detailed instructional design documents that include learning objectives, content sequence, and evaluation methods. 

• Experience developing learner-centered instructional materials and job aids for sports bars, self-study, and computer-based delivery. 

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects to completion in a timely and accurate manner and to prioritize, schedule, and meet deadlines. 

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influence skills. Ability to write and speak effectively to a variety of audiences, and to convey messages with clarity and brevity. 

• Superior writing, editing, and proofreading skills. 

• Ability to work well independently and with others in fast paced, dynamic environment. 

• Advanced skills in Word and PowerPoint and intermediate skills in Excel. Basic skills in design programs. Understanding of Learning Management Systems.  

TRAVEL:

• 5% – 10%

 

Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide.

We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.