Manager, Training & Development - LongHorn

JOB OVERVIEW:

Provide strategic leadership and dedicated brand support for all aspects of training and development for team members and operations management to align with LongHorn Steakhouse and Darden business objectives. In addition, this role partners with Operations leadership to create and deploy brand initiatives to positively impact sales, profitability, and Guest and team member experience.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

-Leads the planning, design, delivery, development, implementation & evaluation of brand specific training and development programs for frontline (Service & Culinary) and Operations Management (Director, MP, Managers & MITs) including:

Orientations and New Hire Training Materials

Existing & NRO Frontline Materials (FOH & HOH)

MIT Program and Classroom

Ongoing Manager Training & Development

-Manages department training materials budget including allocating expenditures and ensuring on plan for all brand specific training and development initiatives and costs

-Partners with Ops Excellence and Culinary Operations to ensure successful execution of operations deployments & rollouts for FOH & HOH systems, initiatives and procedures

-Implements training related to enterprise technology initiatives and training evolution; including video creation, Learning Management System optimization, and training design in partnership with Darden Learning and HRIS

-Supports engagement, reward and recognition programs, and HR initiatives

-Develops and fosters relationships with brand Operations Leaders, Darden Leaders and vendor partners to deliver high quality and cost effective learning experiences

-Supports the brands annual MP Conference, LongHorn Leadership Series, and Steak Master Series leveraging cross-functional partners for support (graphics, print, communications, marketing, etc)

-Provide administrative support for all brand specific training and development initiatives including responsibilities for analyzing needs, scheduling training, supporting training set up, marketing, tracking and evaluating training, processing accounting transactions, measuring outcomes, and on-line automated registration system.

-Partners with LongHorn Operations Leaders, Darden NRO Teams, and LongHorn NRO Managers to evolve team member training at new restaurant openings

-Executes NROs in accordance with LongHorn culture & standards; supports NRO with on-going training resources as needed

-Manages the NRO training process and partners with the Culinary and Service Leads to ensure training is delivered at a high level; identifies and addresses obstacles and continues to evaluate ways to improve the training process

-Prepares NRO Training Team for their role in openings by providing materials, guidance, and coaching

-Observes the performance of NRO Certified Trainers (NRO CTs) during the NRO process; provides feedback to NRO CTs regarding performance as needed; provides feedback to MP & DO, regarding NRO CTs performance

-Supports the Director of Operations (DO) & Managing Partner (MP) by leading and coaching the NRO Certified Training Team using process knowledge and experience; Takes point on writing the NRO CT Schedule

-Remains knowledgeable about state-specific laws and requirements regarding employment practices and required certifications

-Remains knowledgeable about all Operations systems and standards

-Partners with Training & Development team on operations training programs and initiatives

-Reports to the Director, Training & Development

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:

-3+ years of relevant experience

-Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook

-Previous experience in eLearning design platforms. Articulate 360 preferred

-Skilled in creating engaging and informative training materials, such as presentations, manuals, e-learning modules, videos, and assessments

-Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet numerous deadlines with keen attention to detail required

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

-Bachelor's Degree in education/instructional design technology, HR or business preferred and/or 3 years of training/facilitation experience

OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

-Ability to travel approximately 25% and ability to be away from home for up to 1 weeks at a time when required

-Excellent written, verbal, and coaching skills required

-Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently with minimal supervision

-Ability to think creatively, seek innovative solutions, and use change as a positive and motivating factor

-Demonstrated results-oriented and adherence to high standards

-Excellent analysis, problem solving, and decision making skills

-Ability to influence others and interact effectively with all levels of the organization

-Excellent organizational and prioritization skills

-Passion for teaching and learning

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

-Proficiency in InDesign

-Familiarity with various e-learning authoring tools and learning management systems (LMS) for designing and delivering modern training programs

-Proficiency in creating visually appealing including graphics, animations, and videos

-Working knowledge of restaurant operations, including previous experience at LongHorn

-Knowledge of restaurant training programs