Manager of Training & Development at SLIM CHICKENS

Description

We’re not just another chicken joint—we’re one of the fastest-growing brands in the game, built on hand-made food and bold ambition. At Slim Chickens, every tenderloin gets the royal treatment: brined, buttermilk-soaked, hand-breaded, and cooked fresh to order. That same care and craft goes into how we grow our people.

If you’ve got hustle, heart, and an entrepreneurial spark, this is the place to prove yourself and shape your career. Our team thrives on real connection—working fast, thinking big, and building something that makes an impact every day. Here, you’ll be trusted to make decisions, empowered to own your work, and part of a crew that’s taking this brand to the next level.

Slim Chickens is growing fast. The only question is—are you ready to grow with us?

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Manager of Training & Development is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive training programs that drive operational excellence, leadership growth, and brand consistency across all company-owned and franchise locations. This role oversees New Restaurant Openings (NROs), Certified Training Restaurants (CTRs), and Field Training Initiatives, ensuring that team members at all levels are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to uphold company standards and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

New Restaurant Openings & Brand Standards

• Lead training efforts for new restaurant openings, ensuring alignment with company culture, operational procedures, and brand standards.
• Recruit, train, and manage New Restaurant Opening Trainers to execute structured training programs effectively.
• Oversee training budgets, expenses, scheduling, payroll, and travel logistics for training teams.
• Collaborate with Operations and Franchise Development teams to ensure smooth restaurant openings that exceed guest expectations.

Field Development & Leadership Training

• Facilitate and administer ServSafe certification classes and exams to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
• Develop and execute market-specific training initiatives, including workshops, webinars, hands-on training, and coursework, to address operational challenges and skill gaps.
• Partner with Franchise Area Directors (FADs) to assess training needs and implement performance-improving solutions.

Training Program Development & Content Creation

• Assist in the design, development, and refinement of training materials, job aids, and standard operating procedures to meet evolving company needs.
• Support new product rollouts and operational changes by creating and delivering targeted training strategies.
• Conduct educational workshops for company managers and team members to enhance leadership skills and operational excellence.
• Ensure all training content is up-to-date, engaging, and aligned with brand standards.

Certified Training Restaurants (CTR) Development

• Assist in identifying, developing, and maintaining Certified Training Restaurants (CTRs) to support system-wide training initiatives.
• Conduct CTR validation and workshops to ensure training locations meet operational excellence criteria.
• Support Training General Managers (GMs) and Area Directors (ADs) in maintaining optimal training environments.
• Collaborate with test restaurants to trial new products, procedures, and equipment, providing feedback for improvement.

Slim Chickens systems principles and objectives:  Has a thorough understanding of Slim Chickens' established operating systems (e.g., quality, security, office environment, company policies, safety) and recognizes the responsibility to stay updated on these systems and the role this position plays in supporting them.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: TThis position description is designed to guide the activities of the Training and Development Manager. It is not meant to restrict the individual's creativity or limit their thinking, nor does it encompass all the tasks that may be required in this role.

Physical Activities: Primarily performed in a restaurant environment. Involves entering and retrieving information on a computer and visually verifying details, often in small print. May also require presenting information to small or large groups.

Travel:Occasionally requires travel to multiple restaurants or work sites, which may include overnight stays. Travel can be domestic or international, up to 75%.

Benefits

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Flexible Spending Account

• 401(k)

• Parental Leave

• Pet Insurance

• Paid time off

• Life Insurance

• Tuition reimbursement

• Adoption Assistance

Slim Chickens is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all open positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, and physical or mental disability.

Qualifications

Requirements and Competencies:

Technical Experience:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital training platforms.
• Familiarity with AV equipment (projectors, TVs, iPads) for training presentations.

Industry Experience:

• Three plus years of restaurant General Manager (GM) experience with a strong background in training and development. 
• Hands-on experience in new restaurant openings, franchise training, and field implementation.
• Strong public speaking skills with experience facilitating classroom and hands-on workshops.

Minimum Education:  Some college education.

Preferred Education:  Bachelor's degree in hospitality