WHO WE ARE

Buona and The Original Rainbow Cone, iconic leaders in Italian Beef and signature ice cream, is looking for a Senior Director of Learning, Development and Culture to join our growing team as we grow across the nation. With 30+ US locations already thriving and strong growth planned for 2024 and beyond, the time is right to make your mark and create a lasting legacy with our team members, franchise partners. and company/franchise restaurants.

WHO YOU ARE

The Senior Director of Learning, Development and Culture is strategic, detail-oriented, a leader of people, fanatical about excellence, data driven and has the ability to hold their team, our restaurants and franchise partners accountable for results.

(S)he is a confident and passionate change agent who is just as comfortable working with C-Level leaders as entry level team members. The Director hungers to play a major role in the shaping and guiding of a strong, servant leadership-based organizational culture at all levels, ensuring all team members align with and thrive in the organization’s mission, vision and values.

Managing a team of instructional designers, field trainers, and other key players, you help create simplicity and accountability to develop hourly team members, managers, franchise partners and Restaurant Support Center staff while producing quantifiable results in our restaurants. The Senior Director of Learning, Development and Culture is creative and able to stay ahead of learning trends for all generations of learners mixing self-paced, instructor-led, online and practical instruction into a cohesive, fun and progressive program.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

· Driving company inclusivity objectives through implementation of diversity training programs, as well as ensuring that training content is accessible in multiple languages & formats to accommodate employees’ various needs.

· Implementation of health, wellbeing & non-positional (life skills) learning programs to foster a culture of wellness & personal growth.

· Incorporating recognition & rewards into training achievements.

· Create & communicate clear career pathways to help employees see their future within the company.

· Lead change management efforts by developing comprehensive plans, communication strategies, and training programs to support organizational initiatives, such as new menu launches, technology implementations, or process improvements.

· Provide guidance and support to franchise owners and employees during periods of organizational change.

· Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement effective organizational structures, job roles, and performance metrics.

· Analyze performance data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and provide actionable insights to drive employee and restaurant performance.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

· Develop the strategy for and oversee execution of all training and certification programs for managers, hourly team members and above restaurant leaders ensuring embodiment of our core values, execution of company standards, training schedules and certification of training restaurants.

· Conduct needs analysis and determine appropriate path for all management, team member and organization training materials and manuals in accordance with the company mission, values, culture and goals.

· Develop vision, strategy and execution of an online learning platform that positively impacts current performance and develops future leaders by creating an engaging, fun learning experience that yields in the moment and ongoing value. Responsible for vetting and selection of online learning platform partner that will support the vision and execution of the company training strategy.

· Guide the content and process of Buona/Rainbow Cone University so that all managers and franchise partners graduate with the ability to successfully run their restaurant(s).

· Ensure all New Restaurant Openings (NRO) are properly prepared, scheduled and supported for maximum long-term success.

· Lead training projects from creation through completion with expert project management skills.

· Works directly with Operational Field Leadership to ensure corporate training and field training initiatives are aligned.

· Develops and leads a top-down training strategy.

· Capable of working to create reporting metrics and measures that will show us how far we’ve come and provide inspiration and aspiration for what we could accomplish.

· Provides organization development services, such as team building, new manager assimilation, facilitated organizational re-structuring, and creative brainstorming.

· Builds cross-functional involvement in development efforts to support brand goals.

· Cultivates a consultative approach with all team members and stakeholders.

· Assists in the planning and execution of company meetings and workshops

· Serves on brand-wide councils and committees, when appropriate.

· Proactively maintain product quality, guest service, cleanliness, maintenance, training, staffing and brand standards.

· Participates onsite in New Restaurant Openings as necessary.

· Teaches classroom, online and onsite training sessions to various audiences.

· Deliver “Keynote-Level quality” presentations in front of live audiences.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree required.
Must reside in the Chicago area and available to work in-office.
Best in class writing, grammar and authoring skills with a keen attention to detail.
Proficient in MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word and Outlook).
Expertise in Project Management, Monday.com experience preferred.
Proven track record of selecting, implementing and maintaining online learning software systems.
Demonstrated success in guiding management training programs in a “Restaurant University” setting.
Leading New Restaurant Opening department processes and procedures.
Phenomenal communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
Critical thinking and decision making.
Servant Leadership style.
Ability to travel up to 50% via car and air travel.

WHAT WE OFFER – PERKS AND BENEFITS

· Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

· Flexible Spending Account

· Short-Term Disability Insurance

· 401(k) with Employer Match

· Restaurant & Catering Discount

· Paid Time Off

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Sr. Director of Learning, Development and Culture