Training Specialist

DineAmic Hospitality•Chicago, IL

39d•Hybrid

About The Position

The DineAmic Hospitality Training Specialist will be responsible for the upkeep, facilitation, implementation, and effectiveness of training programs, onboarding processes, and service standards for hourly employees at their assigned properties. The ideal candidate is organized, personable, able to work independently, and has a strong background in hospitality and classroom-style instruction. This role will be based primarily in-venue, with occasional time at the DineAmic corporate office in Chicago, IL as needed. The Training Specialist will report directly to the Director of Training and Development and partner closely with venue management of assigned brands to support hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing service execution.

Requirements

Previous experience in restaurant service required
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while conducting training sessions, observing service, and coaching employees on the floor (up to 6–8 hours at times).
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and lift training materials, equipment, or supplies up to 25 pounds.
Ability to use a computer and other technology for extended periods to create training materials, track employee progress, and manage training systems.
Ability to communicate effectively in both classroom and operational settings, including speaking to large groups and providing one-on-one coaching.
Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on business needs.
Technical Proficiency with computers and POS systems

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or certificate in Education, Hospitality Management, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
Background in various service styles (fine dining, casual dining, etc.) preferred
Experience training adult learners in both classroom and operational settings preferred.
Experience working with a Learning Management System (LMS) preferred.
Background as a teacher, trainer, coach, or facilitator strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead onboarding and orientation for all new front-of-house employees.
Facilitate classroom-style training sessions, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences.
Train employees on service standards, steps of service, menu knowledge, beverage pairings, allergy awareness, and guest engagement techniques.
Coach team members on upselling, suggestive selling, and service recovery.
Create, update, and maintain training materials, guides, assessments, and learning resources.
Deliver ongoing education related to menu changes, promotions, seasonal offerings, and operational initiatives.
Adapt training methods and materials to support diverse learning styles, language needs, and accessibility requirements.
Serve as a mentor and resource for new hires throughout their onboarding and development journey.
Coordinate and manage the onboarding process to ensure a consistent and engaging new hire experience.
Monitor employee training progress, completion of learning milestones, and overall readiness for independent service.
Conduct service observations and provide real-time coaching, feedback, and performance support.
Collaborate with managers to identify development opportunities and implement individualized coaching plans.
Assist leadership with performance documentation and developmental conversations as needed.
Spend significant time on the restaurant floor reinforcing training standards and supporting service operations.
Partner with venue leadership to ensure training programs are consistently executed and reinforced through daily operations.
Maintain training content and ensure all materials reflect current menus, beverage offerings, service standards, and company policies.
Track and analyze training completion, assessment results, guest experience metrics, and other key performance indicators.
Identify operational gaps and implement training solutions to improve performance and consistency.
Communicate training progress, opportunities, and recommendations to venue and company leadership.