Job Summary
The
Senior Director of Learning & Development (L&D) will serve as the strategic and tactical leader responsible for architecting, aligning, and operationalizing all training and development programs across Unleashed Brands’ franchise portfolio. Reporting directly to the COO, this leader will design a cohesive learning ecosystem that empowers franchisees, their teams, and the home office staff to deliver exceptional customer experiences, operational excellence, and scalable growth across every brand.
Responsibilities - Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a unified L&D strategy that aligns with Unleashed Brands’ mission, brand playbooks, and operational priorities.
- Partner with Brand Presidents, Operations, and cross-functional leaders to identify critical learning needs and create scalable, brand-specific and cross-brand solutions.
- Oversee the design and evolution of learning journeys for franchise owners, general managers, and team members—from onboarding through mastery.
- Drive innovation in digital learning, certification programs, and performance enablement tools that elevate unit-level economics and guest satisfaction.
- Curriculum Design & Delivery
- Lead the creation and continual improvement of all training content, including new franchisee onboarding, pre-opening training, field certification, and leadership development.
- Partner with subject matter experts across brands to ensure curriculum accuracy, consistency, and alignment with brand standards.
- Leverage modern learning technologies (LMS platforms, simulations, micro-learning, and blended learning) to enhance engagement and knowledge retention.
- Ensure that training programs are measurable, data-driven, and tied directly to key performance outcomes (AUV, retention, NPS, and ULE metrics).
- Operational Execution
- Build and manage a high-performing L&D team responsible for content design, delivery, facilitation, and platform management across all brands.
- Establish consistent quality standards and processes for training delivery—both in-person and virtual.
- Maintain effective vendor relationships for learning technology, content production, and certification programs.
- Develop and manage the annual L&D budget and key performance dashboards.
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Recruit, coach, and develop a best-in-class L&D team that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and measurable results.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner to the COO and Brand Presidents to ensure alignment on priorities and impact.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with People, Technology, and Brand Marketing teams to ensure that training reflects our culture, values, and strategic goals.
- Act as a visible ambassador of Unleashed Brands’ “Build Great Kids” mission through authentic leadership, servant mindset, and operational excellence.
Skills/Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, ideally within franchising, retail, or multi-unit operations.
- Proven experience leading L&D strategy and curriculum design across multiple brands or business units.
- Strong understanding of adult learning theory, instructional design, and performance enablement best practices.
- Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing teams.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
- Demonstrated ability to connect training to measurable business outcomes.
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
Success Measures
- Improved franchisee satisfaction with training and support programs.
- Measurable improvement in operational execution and unit-level economics linked to training initiatives.
- Increased adoption and engagement with learning platforms.
- Clear alignment between brand training programs and Unleashed Brands’ strategic goals.
Perks
- Paid bi-weekly
- Company Paid Holidays
- Flexible Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Multiple health care insurance plans that cover medical, dental, prescription, vision, and employer HSA contributions
- Competitive 401(k) Program with employer matching contributions
- Daily dress code of “business casual”
- A positive work environment
- And much, much more
Company Description
Unleashed Brands was founded to curate and grow a portfolio of the most innovative and profitable brands that help kids learn, play and grow. Over the last 10 years, the team at Unleashed Brands has built a proven platform and know-how for scaling businesses focused on serving families. Its mission is to impact the lives of every kid by providing fun, engaging and inspiring experiences that help them become who they are destined to be. Unleashed Brands has more than 1,300 locations open and in development with plans to open more than 100+ new units annually over the next 5 years. For more information, please visit www.unleashedbrands.com . Unleashed Brands is headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Unleashed Brands is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by applicable law.
ADA
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Unleashed Brands will provide reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship.
Unleashed Brands is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer.
