Senior Manager of Training & Development

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 Sr. Manager of Training & Development strengthens operational readiness and ensures consistent field training execution across the Slim Chickens system. This role provides leadership and support to the Managers of Training & Development (MTDs), leads cross-functional training readiness alignment for New Restaurant Openings (NRO), supports field-based workshop delivery, and contributes to long-term leadership development programs. The Sr. MTD steps into opening execution as needed to sustain system capacity and ensure training continuity during peak demand.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Team Support

• Provide coaching, support, and readiness oversight to MTDs to drive strong and consistent performance during openings and workshops.
• Maintain visibility into workload balance, travel requirements, and recovery time to ensure sustained performance and retention.
• Partner with the Director of Field Training to identify and address emerging training needs in the field.

New Restaurant Openings (NROs) & Field Training

• Lead internal pre- and post-opening readiness alignment by partnering cross-functionally to identify risks, track action items, and ensure timely completion of commitments from Support Center teams.
• Monitor NRO performance and training execution before, during, and after openings, providing field insight and escalation support as needed.
• Support execution of NROs as needed to maintain business continuity and training quality across opening demands.
• Participate in readiness alignment as needed through collaboration with CDC owners and franchise operators.

Training Program Development

• Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of field-based workshops to improve capability and performance across the system.
• Assist with continuous improvement of workshop content, flow, and facilitation approach based on feedback and performance outcomes.
• Support the development and enhancement of management-level training modules, leadership development paths, and supporting coursework to strengthen system capability beyond MUL programs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Communications, and Field Training leadership to connect learning solutions with operational priorities.

Performance Tracking & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor post-opening performance and workshop outcomes to identify strengths, opportunities, and field readiness gaps.
• Provide insights and reporting to inform future training program adjustments and operational improvements.
• Support consistency and accountability across the training lifecycle by maintaining visibility into training results and execution quality.

Certified Training Restaurants (CTR) Program Support

• Provide oversight, coordination, and scheduling support related to CTR designation and certifications in collaboration with MTDs.
• Contribute to delivery of annual CTR certifications as business needs and system growth allow.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as Training & Development liaison in system and operations alignment initiatives.
• Partner with Support Center departments to ensure new training aligns with operational processes and performance expectations.

Travel: Up to 40-50% based on opening volume, system needs, and support required in the field.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Adoption Assistance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k)
• Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Paid time off
• Life Insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

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.

Requirements and Competencies:

• Proven experience in restaurant training or operational leadership within a high-growth system.
• Strong communication, coaching, and leadership skills with a focus on performance accountability.
• Ability to evaluate performance data to support informed decision-making and improvement initiatives.
• Strong planning and prioritization skills with the ability to balance strategic work and urgent field needs.

Technical Proficiency:

• Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat.
• Learning Management System administration experience preferred (training provided if needed).
• Laptop computer, Tablet, iPhone, Projector, webinar/online meeting platforms

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 5 years restaurant management
• 5 years Restaurant training and development background
• 2 years New Restaurant Opening background a plus
• 2 years of Project Management work a plus
• Experience working within a franchise organization