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Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Manager of Training is responsible for overseeing all aspects of leadership development, training execution, onboarding, certification compliance, recruiting support, and operational training initiatives across the market. This position serves as the primary link between Operating Partners, General Managers, Assistant Managers, Training Managers, Certified Trainers, and Managers-in-Training (MITs) to ensure consistent development, operational excellence, and succession planning. The Manager of Training creates, implements, monitors, and continuously improves training systems while maintaining accountability measures, reporting tools, and development programs that support company growth and operational success. This role partners closely with restaurant leadership teams to ensure training standards are executed consistently while providing operational support when needed. This position plays a key role in leadership development, succession planning, operational readiness, and support for new store openings and growth initiatives. The Manager of Training is developed and mentored by the Director of Training and works closely with Operating Partners to support strategic training initiatives, leadership development, succession planning, and operational performance throughout the market.
QUALIFICATIONS
Recommendation from the Director of Training and approval from Operating Partners. Minimum 5 years of restaurant leadership experience. Previous experience developing leaders and training programs. Strong knowledge of Zaxby's operating systems, standards, and culture. Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop managers. Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills. Proficiency in Schoox, Microsoft Office, Jolt, Teamworx/Crunchtime, PAR POS, and iSolved. Current ServSafe Manager Certification. Ability to travel between locations and maintain a flexible schedule.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
RecruitmentCandidate Management Review and screen management applicants. Conduct initial phone interviews. Present qualified candidates, interview evaluations, and hiring recommendations to Operating Partners for final interview consideration. Maintain recruiting pipeline and staffing reports. MIT Program Management Facilitate orientations and prepare MIT binders and tools. Manage MIT schedules, training plans, progress tracking, and assessments. Coordinate 2-Week Readiness Assessments and communicate outcomes. Maintain MIT documentation and onboarding records. Training Pipeline Administration Maintain weekly training pipeline reports. Track MIT progress, ZU completion, certifications, validation status, trainer bench, ServSafe compliance, staffing needs, and leadership bench strength. New store opening staffing plans. Trainer deployment planning for growth initiatives. Leadership readiness for future openings. General ManagerAssistant Manager Support Support GMs and Assistant Managers with training plans, certifications, onboarding, and development. Ensure GMs, Assistant Managers, Trainers, and Training Managers follow established training processes. Conduct accountability follow-ups and assist with development plans. Serve as a resource for operational and leadership challenges. Training Manager LeadershipDevelopment Manage Training Manager schedules, assignments, and development. Conduct weekly Training Manager meetings. Review email etiquette, recaps, projects, productivity, and performance metrics. Coordinate support for staffing shortages and operational needs. Track Training Manager bonus qualifications. CertificationCompliance Maintain manager certifications, validations, and ServSafe records. Ensure compliance with training, food safety, and operational standards. Training Program Development Create and improve FOH, BOH, Trainer, and Management training systems. Develop guides, job aids, presentations, station standards, and operational tools. Standardize training processes across all locations. Continuously evaluate and improve training systems, assessments, learning paths, and development programs. Ensure training materials remain current and aligned with operational and brand standards. Trainer Certification Program Facilitate trainer certifications. Maintain trainer bench and development plans. Ensure consistency in trainer certification processes. LTO Execution Lead market-wide LTO training, manager calls, rollout tools, and preparation plans. Ensure stores are prepared for successful execution. Operational SupportField Training Work operational shifts to support restaurants and training initiatives. Conduct restaurant visits, audits, observations, and coaching sessions. Support leadership transitions and stang shortages. Deploy Training Managers to work manager shifts when stores require leadership coverage. Ensure Steritech readiness and MIT participation in inspections. New Store OpeningsGrowth Support Coordinate and support all training-related activities for new store openings. Partner with Operating Partners, General Managers, and Training Managers to ensure staffing, certifications, onboarding, and training requirements are completed prior to opening. Coordinate trainer deployment, leadership support, and operational training resources for opening teams. Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding efforts to support new restaurant growth. Provide on-site support during new store openings to ensure the successful execution of operational and training standards. Conduct post-opening follow-up visits and development plans to ensure long-term success. ReportingCommunication Serve as the primary communication link between leadership teams. Maintain reports and development records. Communicate staffing, training, certification, and succession planning updates. Leadership DevelopmentStrategic Partnership Participate in weekly one-on-one meetings with the Director of Training. Receive ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development. Complete projects and assignments from the Director of Training and Operating Partners. Assist in developing leadership programs, assessments, certifications, and training systems. Support succession planning and market growth initiatives. KPI TrackingPerformance Reporting Track MIT retention, certifications, ZU completion, trainer development, leadership bench strength, compliance, staffing metrics, and training effectiveness. Monitor store-wide training effectiveness and implement corrective action plans when training standards are not achieved. Provide performance reports to the Director of Training and Operating Partners. Identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Use data to drive training and operational decisions.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Leadership Development Strategic Planning TrainingFacilitation CoachingAccountability CommunicationInfluence Project Management Operational Excellence Talent Development Data AnalysisKPI Management Organizational Effectiveness
SUCCESS METRICS
Manager certification and validation completion rates. MIT retention and successful completion rates. Training consistency across all locations. Compliance with ServSafe and certification requirements. Training Manager performance and development. Leadership bench strength and succession readiness. Successful execution of LTOs and initiatives. Successful execution and training support of new store openings. Post-opening performance and training effectiveness of new locations. Completion of Director of Training projects and initiatives.
LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS
Demonstrate strong organizational and project management skills. Communicate effectively across all levels of leadership. Lead with a servant-minded approach focused on development and accountability. Foster continuous learning and operational excellence. Drive consistency in training execution and leadership development. Demonstrate a strong sense of urgency and results-driven execution. Analyze performance data and utilize KPI reporting to improve outcomes.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform restaurant operational duties for extended periods. Ability to lift to 50 pounds. Ability to travel between restaurant locations. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours when business needs require.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTACCEPTANCE I
acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the responsibilities and expectations outlined in this job description. I agree to perform the duties of this position to the best of my ability and in accordance with company policies.
