Director of Training

At Heartland Restaurant Group, a franchisee of Dunkin’, we are employee first fanatics! One of the fastest growing and top workplaces in the region over the past 15 years, we have brought the resurgence of Dunkin’ to Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania, Southeastern Ohio, and Northeastern WV, currently employing around 1,700 Team Members in 75 locations.

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Director of Training oversees all training for the organization, leading the planning, design, and implementation of all training and development programs across the HRG/Dunkin’ network of restaurants, including the facilitation of restaurant systems and tools, classroom leadership trainings, new product launches, food safety protocols, and franchisee-specific initiatives.

Aligning training strategies with HRG’s goals and vision, the Director of Training works directly with operations to confirm all levels are properly trained and consistently applying the correct standards and procedures within the restaurants, identifying and nurturing internal talent, supporting succession planning, designing training formats and templates while continually seeking innovative and efficient methods to enhance the company's restaurant training programs.

Additionally, the Director of Training conducts General Manager and District Manager onboardings and oversees the development and certification of them at designated certified training locations while ensuring the training locations meet and maintain the highest operational standards and expectations of Heartland Restaurant Group through annual certification and re-certification processes.

Responsibilities:  

• Oversee the planning, execution, and development of all training programs, materials, and tools for the organization.
• Directly supervise Regional Training Specialists and the certified restaurant training support team, providing mentorship, performance evaluations, and career development guidance.
• Manage the departmental budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources while delivering impactful training solutions.
• Lead the assessment of company-wide training needs in collaboration with training support staff and operational leadership while ensuring consistency in training quality and alignment across departments.
• Establish and implement a comprehensive training strategy to meet the organization’s short- and long-term objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives, adjusting as necessary to ensure measurable outcomes.
• Partner with HR and operations leadership to address training gaps and implement solutions to improve employee productivity and satisfaction.
• Stay current with Dunkin’ procedural changes, industry trends and emerging training technologies, introducing innovative approaches to employee development.
• Ensure effective tools and systems are in place to successfully roll out new products, systems, technology, and processes.
• Promote a positive organizational culture by exemplifying company values and driving engagement in learning initiatives. Build and revise training plans and programs for all restaurant positions in the organization, ensuring adherence to all brand standards and company expectations, taking advantage of the latest technology and trends.
• Full completion of operational certifications for Dunkin’ Brands and any future restaurant concepts HRG operates.
• Schedule and train classroom-based learning and training for the network in individual and large group settings.
• Conduct and manage facilitation of various classroom trainings: Shift Lead 1-4, AGM, GM, DM, ServSafe, Situational Leadership, Retention, Hospitality, and Soft Skills Playbook.
• Proctor ServSafe testing and prep for other managers in system.
• Teach operational and facility brand standards, accountability, and follow-up.
• Facilitate development classes to accomplish professional development goals for all levels of the organization, following up to ensure accountability.
• Identify and certify General Managers and District Managers on new hire training procedures, ensuring they are always operating at the highest-level of brand and corporate compliance.

Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred (e.g., Human Resources, Education, Business).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in training and development, including at least 2 years in a leadership or director role.
• Exceptional facilitation, presentation, verbal, written, communication, and people skills .
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task.
• Self-starter who works well independently.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Availability to work during restaurant operating hours.
• Ability to ensure the training content is relevant, engaging, and effective while monitoring and reporting on the impact and outcomes of the training initiatives.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong strategic thinking and organizational planning skills.
• Proficiency with multimedia training platforms and delivery methods.
• Expertise in evaluating and implementing effective training solutions across various levels of the organization.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to inspire and develop team member.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• ServSafe proctor certification or willingness to successfully complete certification within the first three months of hire.  
• Must be able to travel to various locations to oversee training activities and work on-site at corporate office.