The Director of Learning and Development will oversee the development and implementation of all Hissho Franchise system training programs. These programs include franchise training, field operations team training, corporate new hire orientation, and ongoing professional development. This role requires a strategic thinker with a high EQ and strong leadership skills who can effectively manage a team and ensure that all training initiatives align with the company's goals and values. The ideal candidate will thrive in Hissho Sushi's unique and vibrant company culture and will bring enthusiasm and alignment to our training programs. The position reports directly to the VP of Operational Innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

Training Strategy and Development:

· Manage comprehensive training programs for franchise partners, field operations teams, and corporate employees.

· Create and maintain a training curriculum that addresses the needs of the organization and supports overall business objectives.

· Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to continuously improve training programs.

Program Management:

· Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of training programs to ensure they are effective and meet the needs of the business.

· Manage the development and distribution of training materials, including manuals, e-learning modules, and workshops.

· Coordinate with various departments to ensure training programs are aligned with company standards and objectives.

Team Leadership:

· Lead and manage a team of training professionals, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.

· Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.

· Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.

Corporate New Hire Orientation:

· Oversee the design and implementation of the corporate new hire orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.

· Collaborate with HR to ensure all new hires receive the necessary training and resources to be successful in their roles.

Professional Development:

· Identify and implement professional development opportunities for employees at all levels of the organization.

· Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of professional development initiatives and make adjustments as needed.

Budget and Resource Management:

· Develop and manage the training budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and within budget constraints.

· Identify and implement cost-effective training solutions.

Metrics and Reporting:

· Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of all training programs.

· Provide regular reports to senior leadership on training program outcomes and areas for improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• 7+ years of experience in training and development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

• Proven track record of designing and implementing effective training programs.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• High Emotional Quotient (EQ), demonstrating empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal effectiveness.

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

• Proficiency in using learning management systems (LMS) and other training technologies.

• Experience in the hospitality, food service, CPG, or franchise industry is a plus.

• Experience working with ESL (English as a Second Language) learners or bilingual capabilities.

• Servsafe Manager Certification is preferred

• Experience with and ability to put into practice instructional design processes.

• Experience creating remote certified in-store training programs is highly desirable.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

• High EQ, demonstrating empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal effectiveness.

• Strong organizational and project management abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• High level of adaptability and flexibility.

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Ability to motivate and create excitement around training initiatives.