Senior Manager of Training & Development

SLIM CHICKENS•Fayetteville, AR

About The Position

The Sr. Manager of Training & Development strengthens operational readiness and ensures consistent field training execution across the Slim Chickens system. This role provides leadership and support to the Managers of Training & Development (MTDs), leads cross-functional training readiness alignment for New Restaurant Openings (NRO), supports field-based workshop delivery, and contributes to long-term leadership development programs. The Sr. MTD steps into opening execution as needed to sustain system capacity and ensure training continuity during peak demand.

Requirements

Proven experience in restaurant training or operational leadership within a high-growth system.
Strong communication, coaching, and leadership skills with a focus on performance accountability.
Ability to evaluate performance data to support informed decision-making and improvement initiatives.
Strong planning and prioritization skills with the ability to balance strategic work and urgent field needs.
Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat.
Laptop computer, Tablet, iPhone, Projector, webinar/online meeting platforms
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
5+ years restaurant management
5+ years Restaurant training and development background

Nice To Haves

Learning Management System administration experience preferred (training provided if needed).
2+ years New Restaurant Opening background a plus
2+ years of Project Management work a plus
Experience working within a franchise organization

Responsibilities

Provide coaching, support, and readiness oversight to MTDs to drive strong and consistent performance during openings and workshops.
Maintain visibility into workload balance, travel requirements, and recovery time to ensure sustained performance and retention.
Partner with the Director of Field Training to identify and address emerging training needs in the field.
Lead internal pre- and post-opening readiness alignment by partnering cross-functionally to identify risks, track action items, and ensure timely completion of commitments from Support Center teams.
Monitor NRO performance and training execution before, during, and after openings, providing field insight and escalation support as needed.
Support execution of NROs as needed to maintain business continuity and training quality across opening demands.
Participate in readiness alignment as needed through collaboration with CDC owners and franchise operators.
Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of field-based workshops to improve capability and performance across the system.
Assist with continuous improvement of workshop content, flow, and facilitation approach based on feedback and performance outcomes.
Support the development and enhancement of management-level training modules, leadership development paths, and supporting coursework to strengthen system capability beyond MUL programs.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Communications, and Field Training leadership to connect learning solutions with operational priorities.
Monitor post-opening performance and workshop outcomes to identify strengths, opportunities, and field readiness gaps.
Provide insights and reporting to inform future training program adjustments and operational improvements.
Support consistency and accountability across the training lifecycle by maintaining visibility into training results and execution quality.
Provide oversight, coordination, and scheduling support related to CTR designation and certifications in collaboration with MTDs.
Contribute to delivery of annual CTR certifications as business needs and system growth allow.
Serve as Training & Development liaison in system and operations alignment initiatives.
Partner with Support Center departments to ensure new training aligns with operational processes and performance expectations.