Benefits:

Hybrid Work
Health insurance
Paid time off

Job Summary

Learning and Development Leader, is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all training and development activities for an organization. This role is crucial for ensuring that employees, franchise owners and their teams have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively, which in turn helps the company achieve its strategic goals. The Learning and Development Leader would report to the Director of Operations and Training.

This is a hybrid position based out of our corporate office in Chester, MD. We prefer candidates who live within a 60-90 minute drive for periodic in-person meetings, team collaboration, and events.

About Taste Buds Kitchen

Taste Buds Kitchen is a dynamic and fast-growing culinary entertainment company with one goal: to remain the market leader. As a top culinary experience for kids, families, and adults, we're dedicated to bringing people together in the kitchen for fun, interactive cooking classes, parties, and events.

As a franchise brand, we are deeply committed to the success of our partners. We'll win by empowering our franchise partners to build profitable, joyful businesses through operational excellence, continuous innovation, and uncompromising brand standards.

Our team is made up of passionate, energetic, and creative individuals who love what they do—and it shows! We believe that the kitchen is the heart of every home, and we're committed to fostering a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment where every team member has the opportunity to learn and grow. Join us and help us spice up the world, one delicious event at a time!

Benefits & Perks

Remote/hybrid opportunity
Great team and work-life balance
Competitive pay - $80,000 to $95,000 commensurate with experience
Health Insurance
401K with matching
Unlimited paid time off
Free cooking classes for you and your family

Key Responsibilities

Training Strategy and Program Development: Design, develop, and implement comprehensive training programs that align with the organization's business objectives. This includes identifying skill gaps and training needs through the Franchisees Training Committee, Department Leads, and the Franchise Business Coaches.
Innovation & Technology: Champion a culture of innovation within the L&D function by continuously exploring and integrating new technologies, methodologies, and platforms to enhance learning experiences and outcomes. This includes being up-to-date with AI and how to best leverage it for training, such as using AI for personalized learning paths, automated content creation, and predictive analytics to identify skill gaps. You'll be agile in adapting to new trends and proactive in identifying technological opportunities that can create more engaging, scalable, and personalized learning journeys for both corporate and franchise partners.
Evaluate and Select Technology Solutions: Lead the needs assessment, research vendor options, manage demos, and make a final recommendation for a new franchise intranet knowledge base and Learning Management System (LMS). This decision will be based on our company's specific goals and requirements for our corporate team and our franchise partners.
Curriculum Management: Own the creation and maintenance of all training materials, instructional content, and resources, including traditional classroom training, e-learning courses, workshops, and mentorship programs.
Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of trainers, instructional designers, and other training staff. This includes setting goals, conducting performance reviews, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. (This will be added in the future as we grow and evolve—currently this is a one-person department.)
Program Evaluation: Continuously assess the effectiveness of training programs through feedback, surveys, and performance metrics. Use data to make necessary adjustments and improvements to future programs.
Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with department heads and other stakeholders to ensure that training initiatives support overall business goals. Communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
Compliance and Standards: Ensure that all training programs comply with relevant industry regulations, standards, and company policies.
Stay Updated on Trends: Keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends, training technologies, and adult learning principles to implement innovative and effective training methods.

Qualifications And Skills

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Organizational Psychology, or a related field is typically required.

Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in training and development, with a proven track record of designing and implementing successful training programs in a corporate environment. Experience in a leadership or management role is essential.
Technical Skills: Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning software, and other training technologies. Strong project management and budget management skills.
Soft Skills:
- Outstanding leadership and team management abilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to assess training needs and evaluate program effectiveness.
- Ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate across departments.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
Travel: Willingness and ability to travel 50%+ time.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please submit your resume and a few sentences on why you’re a great fit for this opportunity to betty@tastebudskitchen.com with the subject line "L&D Leader Application." We look forward to hearing from you!

Flexible work from home options available.

Taste Buds Kitchen

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Learning and Development Leader