Field Training Manager

Steak n Shake; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Steak ’n Shake is seeking a high-impact Field Training Manager (FTM) to elevate performance across franchisee restaurants. Reporting to the VP of Training and collaborating with multi-unit field leadership, this leader will drive training excellence, strengthen multi-unit capability, and ensure disciplined restaurant certification standards across assigned markets.

This role directly influences operational results and helps build the future bench of Steak ’n Shake leadership.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive restaurant operations experience.
• Minimum 2 years of multi-unit training leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading restaurant training initiatives and coaching managers.
• Ability to travel within assigned domestic markets (50–70% travel).
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Data-driven approach to measuring training impact.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and evaluate training for new product launches and non-product initiatives across franchise and company markets.
• Execute special projects and field tests while ensuring brand standards and operational excellence.
• Measure training effectiveness and adjust delivery to maximize performance outcomes.
• Lead and develop restaurant leadership through structured coaching and assessments.

Skills

Restaurant operations

Training leadership

Data analysis

Facilitation

Presentation skills

Travel flexibility

Job description

Steak ’n Shake is seeking a high-impact Field Training Manager (FTM) to elevate performance across franchisee restaurants. Reporting to the VP of Training and collaborating with multi‑unit field leadership, this leader will drive training excellence, strengthen multi‑unit capability, and ensure disciplined restaurant certification standards across assigned markets. This role is a visible, performance‑focused position that directly influences operational results and builds the future bench of Steak ’n Shake leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and evaluate training for new product launches and non‑product initiatives across franchise and company markets.
• Execute special projects and field tests while ensuring consistent brand standards and operational excellence.
• Measure training effectiveness and adjust delivery to maximize performance outcomes.

2. Coach & Develop Restaurant Leadership

• Conduct structured restaurant assessments and lead “development days” with Franchisees.
• Diagnose operational gaps, measure performance drivers, and provide actionable coaching and feedback.
• Recommend and implement targeted development plans to build leadership bench strength and improve restaurant results.
• Partner with Franchise Business Advisors (FBAs) and leaders to elevate management capability.

3. Facilitate Instructor‑Led Training

• Facilitate 2–3 training classes per month (approximately 27 annually) in assigned franchisee markets.
• Teach core operational, leadership, and performance curriculum aligned with company strategy.
• Receive recommendations from field leadership on training needs and provide live support.
• Teach and oversee food safety training certification at the restaurant level.

4. Manage Training Restaurant Certification Standards

• Oversee and ensure disciplined execution of the training restaurant certification process.
• Audit, assess, and validate training restaurants to maintain consistent, high‑performance standards.
• Strengthen organizational performance through structured certification oversight.
• Visit high‑performing restaurants and develop them into certified training restaurants.
• Partner with existing certified training restaurants to audit and coach training best practices.
• Lead and support Franchisee onboarding.
• Develop follow‑up plans to ensure training initiatives translate into sustained operational performance.

Required Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive restaurant operations experience required.
• Minimum 2 years of multi‑unit training leadership experience required.
• Proven experience leading restaurant training initiatives, coaching managers, and driving measurable operational improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to assess performance, analyze data, and implement structured improvement plans.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills with experience teaching or leading structured training programs.
• Ability to travel within assigned domestic markets (estimated 50–70% travel depending on market needs).

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of restaurant operations experience in a multi‑unit or franchise environment.
• Prior experience in franchise systems.
• Experience facilitating formal leadership development or corporate training programs.
• Experience supporting new restaurant openings and certification processes.

At Steak ’n Shake, we are building a high‑performance franchise system grounded in operational excellence, leadership development, and disciplined standards. The Field Training Manager plays a critical role in shaping the future of our franchisee model and strengthening restaurant leadership across markets.

This position serves as a direct bench for Franchise Business Advisor and other operations or training leadership roles—offering strong career growth for ambitious leaders ready to make an impact.