Director, Training & Development

General Purpose

The Director of Training and Development plays a critical role in enhancing employee performance and supporting long-term business goals across the organization. This role leads the strategy, design, and execution of scalable learning initiatives that impact all levels of the organization. This position also ensures consistency in training delivery, reinforces brand standards, supports the growth and development of both corporate and franchise teams, and delivers training as needed to ensure alignment and effectiveness across all audiences.

Essential Duties (including, but not limited to):

• Assessment, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation and Adjustment:
  • Conduct regular training needs assessments to identify and address skill gaps and align development efforts with organizational goals.
  • Design and develop training materials such as manuals, e-learning modules, and workshops tailored to address the identified needs.
  • Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes. Work with department heads to align training programs with organizational goals and objectives.
  • Oversee the delivery of training both in-person and online, to ensure accessibility and engagement. Track training program outcomes and employee performance improvements to measure success.

• Coaching and Support:
  • Provide ongoing coaching and support to trainers and facilitators to enhance their effectiveness.
  • Manage relationships with external training providers and consultants to bring in additional expertise.
  • Develop and implement and continuously improve effective onboarding programs for new employees.

• New Store Opening and Operator Training:
  • Owns and manages the workflow of training events and activities including New Store Openings
  • Develop and maintain a training calendar to organize and schedule training sessions
  • Plans and attends New Store Openings and ensures training is delivered to Sonny's Systems Standards.
  • Certifies and Validates all GM's and Franchisees through the GM Certification Program.

• New Technologies:
  • Identify and implement new training technologies and methodologies to enhance learning experiences.
  • Keep abreast of the latest trends and best practices in training and development to ensure programs are current and effective.

• Documentation and Recordkeeping:
  • Develop and maintain accurate training documentation, records, and reports in the company's learning management system (e.g., FranConnect).
  • Ensure all training records meet compliance standards and support organizational performance tracking.
  • Share training metrics and insights with internal stakeholders to support strategic decision-making.
• Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Lead and mentor a team of training and development professionals. Fulfills supervisory responsibilities in accordance with SFC philosophies, procedures, and applicable laws.
  • Creates and manages budget; allocate resources effectively to ensure the training programs are cost-efficient and within budget.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Sonny's Brand and the restaurant
• Strong knowledge of instructional design and adult learning principles is essential.
• Knowledge of learning/training technology and learning/training products within industry.
• Strong math, reading and writing skills; proficiency in Excel a must.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for franchising and franchise development; strong understanding of franchise documents and legal compliance.
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills to evaluate training effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion skills; ability to articulate point of view.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to speak effectively before groups.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure training programs align with organizational goals.
• Ability to adapt to changing business needs and priorities, promoting continuous learning and development.
• Strong conceptual, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
• High level of attention to detail; Excellent time-management skills; highly organized and can prioritize. Must be able to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• High drive, sense of urgency, and initiative; ability to produce results and meet deadlines.
• Must have and maintain reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, good driving record, and 100/300 insurance coverage (if driving a personal vehicle).
• Ability to comply with federal, state, and local regulations, and company safety.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, or a related field is required, with a master's degree preferred. Certification in training and development (CPTD) preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in training and development, along with proven leadership experience.
• Experience with e-learning platforms and learning management systems, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in managing budgets and allocating resources effectively.
• Previous experience performing tasks found in the Essential Duties.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Director, Training & Development is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. He/she frequently is required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

While performing the duties of the job, the Director, Training & Development will work in a well-lit, open environment. The work may involve some bending, standing or walking. Job duties are not hazardous or physically strenuous. However, the work sometimes is performed under pressure when the stress of deadlines occurs. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel is required in this position.

If working in the restaurants or field, the Director, Training & Development is regularly required to stand for prolonged periods of time, handle products and tools, paperwork and equipment, and communicate with Guests, Managers, and Team Members, including listening, hearing, and speaking. The position requires continuously bending, reaching, crouching, touching, feeling, tasting, wiping, smelling, and possibly inhaling smoke from a wood-burning cooker. Regular lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds, frequently lifting and/or moving up to 35 pounds, and occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 50-75 pounds may be necessary. The Director, Training & Development may regularly work with or near moving mechanical parts, cleaning chemicals, may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, and may be exposed to temperatures between 0F and 100F. If working near food, frequent washing of the hands is required.

Travel is a necessity in this position and the Director, Training & Development, will be in the field 60-70% of the time; travel is required.

All offers of employment at Sonny's Franchise Company are contingent upon clear results of a background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates.