Job Title:

Workforce Development Trainer - Restaurant Operations (Back of House)

Program Structure:

12-week cohort-based training program Reports to: Senior Leadership /

Program Director Employment Type:

Full-time, Salaried, Year-Round About the Organization The workforce development program is a project of Square Roots Collective (SRC) (https://ksqroots.com/), a collection of social enterprises working together to advance our community toward an ecosystem in which everyone can thrive. Square Roots Collective includes for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and formal and informal partnerships and associations with like-minded organizations—all united by a commitment to the holistic thriving of our home, Kennett Square, PA . This workforce development initiative reflects SRC's mission by preparing individuals for meaningful employment in the restaurant industry while strengthening the local food and hospitality ecosystem. Position Overview The Workforce Development Trainer - Restaurant BOH Operations plays a central role in delivering and shaping a 12-week cohort-based workforce development program focused on front-of-house restaurant operations. While the program itself operates in cohorts, this Trainer position is a full-time, year-round role responsible for ongoing instruction, student supervision, curriculum refinement, and program development across multiple cohorts. This individual is both an instructor and mentor, responsible for teaching curriculum, supervising students in hands-on environments, and supporting participant growth toward employment readiness. In addition to day-to-day training responsibilities, the Trainer serves as a thought partner to senior leadership, contributing to ongoing program design, curriculum refinement, and continuous improvement. As a secondary responsibility, the Trainer collects, tracks, and reports participant performance data to support program evaluation and outcomes reporting. Key Responsibilities Instruction & Training Deliver engaging, structured instruction in front- of-house restaurant operations, including customer service, food safety, bartending, serving, workflow, and professionalism Facilitate hands-on training, simulations, and real-world practice aligned with industry standards Adapt teaching strategies to meet the needs of adult learners with varied experience levels Reinforce employability skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and accountability act as an assistant to FOH trainer during FOH training weeks Student Supervision & Support Supervise students during training sessions and practical activities to ensure safety, professionalism, and skill development Serve as a coach and mentor, providing regular feedback and performance guidance Support positive classroom culture and address behavioral or performance challenges as they arise Track attendance, participation, and progress toward learning objectives Program Development & Leadership Collaboration Act as a thought partner to senior leadership in shaping and refining the program model across cohorts Provide ongoing feedback on curriculum effectiveness, pacing, and student outcomes Contribute ideas for program improvements, employer alignment, and industry relevance Support the development of training materials, assessments, and learning activities over time Performance Data & Reporting (Secondary Responsibility) Collect and document student performance data, including skill mastery, attendance, and milestone completion Maintain accurate records aligned with program and funder requirements Contribute to regular reporting on program outcomes and effectiveness Use data insights to inform instructional adjustments and program improvements

Qualifications Required:

Professional experience in restaurant operations, including back- of-house functions Experience training, supervising, or mentoring staff or students Strong communication and facilitation skills Ability to work collaboratively with leadership and program partners Ability to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation Knowledge of food safety standards (ServSafe or similar certification preferred)

Preferred:

Experience in workforce development, adult education, or community-based training programs Experience working with diverse populations or individuals facing barriers to employment Basic experience with data tracking, reporting, or program evaluation Core Competencies Instructional leadership and coaching Relationship-building and student engagement Operational knowledge of restaurant environments Continuous improvement mindset Organizational and documentation skills Physical Demands / Essential Job Functions Being able to lift 30 pounds unassisted Working 10+ hour shifts Frequent standing and walking on hard surfaces Hospitality Lab will provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy), familial status, marital/civil union status, religion, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, liability for military service, and mental or physical disability.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$63,000.00 - $73,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

restaurant trainer : 3 years (Required) Hospitality management: 6 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person