Director, Talent Development

About the position

The Director of Talent Development is responsible for designing, executing, and scaling enterprise-wide leadership, learning, and performance management programs that support Wingstop's continued growth. This role serves as both a strategic leader and tactical executor, ensuring leadership development, onboarding, engagement, performance processes, and internal communications are aligned with business objectives. In addition to leading talent development initiatives, this role will own internal HR communications, ensuring clear and effective messaging around performance management, leadership development, succession planning, and engagement programs. The Director will develop and execute communication strategies that drive awareness, adoption, and engagement with key talent initiatives across the organization. Reporting to the Senior Director of HR, the Director of Talent Development will partner closely with HR Business Partners, Operations, Learning, and Executive Leadership to develop and implement initiatives that enhance leadership capability, succession planning, and career development across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement leadership development programs for first-time leaders, mid-level managers, and executives.
• Develop and manage high-potential (HIPO) programs, ensuring talent is identified and developed for future leadership roles.
• Lead executive coaching initiatives, providing targeted development for senior leaders and emerging executives.
• Partner with HRBPs and senior leaders to provide customized leadership development solutions based on business needs.
• Own and enhance the performance review and calibration process, ensuring consistency, accountability, and a focus on performance-driven culture.
• Manage promotion processes, 9-box assessments, and succession planning frameworks, ensuring high-potential talent is identified and developed.
• Work closely with HRBPs and senior leaders to drive career pathing and internal mobility initiatives.
• Enhance onboarding programs, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for new hires, with a strong emphasis on cultural alignment and role clarity.
• Lead efforts to increase team member engagement and retention, utilizing pulse surveys, data insights, and targeted development programs.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of learning programs, ensuring they align with business needs and team member growth.
• Manage vendor partnerships, budgets, and technology solutions for training and development programs.
• Implement scalable learning strategies that support both individual and team-based development.
• Develop and drive performance management strategies, ensuring leaders are equipped with the tools and frameworks to effectively assess, develop, and grow talent.
• Collaborate with HRBPs and business leaders to embed leadership development into talent processes, ensuring leaders are held accountable for coaching, feedback, and team development.
• Develop and execute structured succession planning efforts, ensuring critical roles have internal talent pipelines and development plans.
• Evaluate and enhance leadership assessment tools, ensuring they accurately identify and measure leadership potential.
• Integrate learning and coaching programs that help leaders and team members develop behaviors that align with company culture and business objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability and high performance, ensuring that leadership development and talent management drive measurable business impact.
• Establish key metrics and success measures to track the impact of leadership, learning, and development programs.
• Own and execute internal communications related to talent development, leadership programs, performance reviews, engagement initiatives, and other HR priorities.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to increase awareness and adoption of talent programs, ensuring team members and leaders understand expectations and available resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in talent development, learning and development, or organizational development.
• Proven track record in designing, launching, and scaling leadership development programs.
• Experience managing performance review processes, talent calibrations, and succession planning frameworks.
• Strong background in executive coaching, high-potential (HIPO) development, and leadership assessments.
• Experience in developing and executing internal communications strategies for HR, talent development, or organizational change initiatives.
• Expertise in learning program development, vendor management, and corporate training strategies.
• Ability to align leadership development with business strategy, ensuring talent programs drive measurable outcomes.
• Highly skilled at building relationships with HRBPs, senior leaders, and cross-functional teams.
• Passion for culture, engagement, and developing high-performing teams.

Benefits

• Unlimited paid time off for exempt employees
• One paid volunteer day of your choice
• Competitive bonus structure for eligible roles
• Team member stock purchase plan
• Health savings or flexible spending account options
• 401k - (dollar for dollar on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% for team member contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Basic life and AD&D insurance provided
• Pet insurance
• Education Assistance
• Wellness reimbursement program
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Lunch provided every Tuesday and Thursday in office
• Work from home Fridays
• Discount on Wingstop gift cards
• Onsite game room