Director of Learning and Development - Retail

leapbrands; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Leapbrands is seeking a Director of Learning & Development to design and lead a scalable training function across multiple states. You will shape the enterprise learning strategy, build onboarding and leadership programs, and partner with Operations and HR to raise execution and employee capability.

In this role, you will manage the LMS, develop metrics, and lead a high-performing team while traveling to stores to ensure training effectiveness and consistent customer experiences.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive Learning & Development experience in multi-unit retail or service organizations.
• Experience supporting multi-state operations with 100+ locations.
• Proven success building leadership development and operational training programs from the ground up.
• Strong instructional design experience using adult learning principles.
• Experience implementing and managing Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Demonstrated success partnering with Operations leaders to improve execution through training.
• Excellent presentation, facilitation, coaching, and communication skills.
• Strong project management with the ability to manage multiple enterprise initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the enterprise-wide learning and development strategy.
• Build scalable onboarding programs for retail associates, store managers, district managers, and corporate employees.
• Design leadership development programs that prepare high-potential employees for future leadership roles.
• Standardize operational training across all locations to improve consistency and customer experience.
• Create blended learning solutions using instructor-led training, eLearning, video content, and microlearning.
• Partner with Operations, HR, and Executive Leadership to identify capability gaps and develop targeted learning solutions.
• Build career pathing and succession planning programs to support internal promotion and retention.
• Develop learning metrics and dashboards to measure training effectiveness and ROI.
• Manage the LMS while continuously improving training content and delivery methods.
• Lead field trainers and learning professionals to build a high-performing team.
• Travel to stores to evaluate training effectiveness and support operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership development

LMS management

Instructional design

Project management

Facilitation

Communication

Stakeholder collaboration

Analytics & dashboards

Multi-unit retail experience

Retail operations knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

LMS platforms

eLearning authoring tools

Job description

Our client is a rapidly growing multi‑state retail organization committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences through outstanding people. As the business continues to expand, they are seeking a Director of Learning & Development to build and lead a best‑in‑class training function that develops leaders, strengthens operational execution, and creates consistent experiences across every location.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for the company's learning strategy, leadership development, onboarding, field training, and talent development initiatives.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute the company's enterprise-wide learning and development strategy.
• Build scalable onboarding programs for retail associates, store managers, district managers, and corporate employees.
• Design leadership development programs that prepare high‑potential employees for future leadership roles.
• Standardize operational training across all locations to improve consistency, execution, and customer experience.
• Create blended learning solutions utilizing instructor‑led training, eLearning, virtual learning, video content, and microlearning.
• Partner with Operations, Human Resources, and Executive Leadership to identify capability gaps and develop targeted learning solutions.
• Build career pathing and succession planning programs that support internal promotion and long‑term employee retention.
• Develop learning metrics and dashboards to measure training effectiveness, operational performance, employee engagement, and ROI.
• Manage the company's Learning Management System (LMS) while continually improving training content and delivery methods.
• Lead field trainers and learning professionals while building a high‑performing Learning & Development team.
• Travel to stores throughout the organization to evaluate training effectiveness and support operational excellence.
• Champion a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and leadership development.

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years of progressive Learning & Development experience within a multi‑unit retail, restaurant, hospitality, fitness, grocery, healthcare, or consumer services organization.
• Experience supporting multi‑state operations with 100+ locations preferred.
• Proven success building leadership development and operational training programs from the ground up.
• Strong instructional design experience utilizing adult learning principles.
• Experience implementing and managing Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Demonstrated success partnering with Operations leaders to improve execution through training.
• Exceptional presentation, facilitation, coaching, and communication skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple enterprise initiatives simultaneously.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree is a plus.