Senior Manager, Field Training (Hybrid Minneapolis Metro or Remote USA)
About The Position
The Senior Manager, Field Training leads the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of field training programs that build franchisee and restaurant leadership capability and support consistent operational performance across the DQ system. The role leads and develops the Field Training team and establishes scalable, measurable approaches to onboarding, leadership development, operational training, and proficiency validation. It ensures programs are delivered with quality and consistency and partners with Operations, Curriculum, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing, and other stakeholders to align learning priorities with organizational goals, restaurant performance needs, and system growth. Using adult learning principles, operational insights, and performance data, the Senior Manager strengthens training effectiveness, supports adoption of new tools and processes, and helps franchisees and managers improve guest experience, operating standards, profitability, and leadership readiness. The role develops and communicates a comprehensive field training strategy; leads scalable programs for new franchisees, restaurant managers, and field leaders; and establishes standards for virtual and in-restaurant learning, certified training locations, and franchisee training partners. It leads team capability development, cultivates stakeholder partnerships, measures training effectiveness, and manages departmental resources and budget. The position is hybrid for most roles based at the global headquarters in Bloomington, Minnesota, with three collaboration days per week; the posting also identifies Minneapolis metro hybrid or USA remote as location options.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in training and development, Business, Organizational Development, Hospitality, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 8–12 years of progressively responsible experience in corporate training, field learning, organizational development, operations, or a related discipline.
- At least 5 years of experience leading and developing employees, including demonstrated success managing a geographically dispersed team.
- Experience in a franchisor, franchise, multi-unit restaurant, retail, or hospitality environment.
- Knowledge of restaurant operations, field enablement, adult learning principles, facilitation methodologies, assessment, coaching, and change management.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute scalable training strategies that support operational performance, leadership capability, and business results.
- Ability to analyze and interpret learning and operational data, identify trends, and translate insights into practical actions.
- Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills, including comfort presenting to franchisees, field leaders, senior leaders, and large groups.
- Strong leadership and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority and build mutually beneficial partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong project, portfolio, and change-management skills, including prioritizing multiple initiatives and delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience with virtual learning platforms, learning management systems, and related learning technologies.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Quick-service restaurant experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with reporting and visualization tools such as Power BI preferred.
- ServSafe certification preferred, or ability to obtain certification based on business requirements.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and communicate a comprehensive field training strategy aligned with business priorities, operational standards, restaurant development needs, and franchisee capability requirements.
- Lead the design and execution of scalable onboarding, leadership development, operational training, coaching, and proficiency evaluation programs for new franchisees, restaurant managers, and field leaders.
- Establish consistent processes, quality standards, and delivery expectations for virtual and in-restaurant learning, certified training locations, and franchisee training partners.
- Coordinate the cascade and adoption of enterprise learning programs, new tools, systems, processes, and operational initiatives across the franchise system.
- Lead, coach, and develop the Field Training team; set priorities, manage workflow and capacity, and ensure high-quality delivery.
- Build facilitator and consultant capability in adult learning, virtual and in-person facilitation, coaching, data-informed consulting, change management, and restaurant operations.
- Create an inclusive, accountable team environment that supports engagement, collaboration, productivity, career development, and succession readiness.
- Partner with Operations leaders, Business Consultants, franchisees, Curriculum, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing, and other stakeholders to identify performance needs and align learning solutions with business objectives.
- Build trusted relationships across the field and franchise community, and communicate training strategy, expectations, progress, risks, and results to leadership and stakeholders.
- Guide the Field Training team in using a consultative approach to strengthen stakeholder ownership and accountability for training outcomes.
- Establish success measures and use operational, learner, and performance data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify capability gaps, and recommend improvements.
- Monitor training quality, participant progress, proficiency, documentation, and follow-through; share actionable insights on learning impact.
- Manage departmental resources and budget responsibly, prioritize work based on business impact, and stay current on learning, technology, restaurant, and change-management trends.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package may include medical and dental coverage, 401(k) match, paid time off, volunteer time, and parental leave.
- Position is eligible for a bonus.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
