Hospitality FOH Training Leader

happycamper; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Dining Discounts

Job summary

Happy Hospitality in Chicago seeks a strategic, hands-on Training & Development Manager to lead front‑of‑house training across our restaurants. This role builds comprehensive training programs, coaches managers and hourly staff, and ensures operational consistency and guest satisfaction.

As the owner of learning strategies, you will create standardized materials, measure effectiveness, and partner with Operations and Leadership to shape culture, service standards, and leadership development

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of restaurant or hospitality management experience, with prior training, learning and development, or multi‑unit operations experience preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience leading training programs within a full‑service restaurant environment.
• Demonstrated success developing both hourly employees and management teams through coaching and structured learning programs.
• Strong knowledge of front‑of‑house restaurant operations, guest service standards, food safety, and responsible alcohol service.
• ServSafe and BASSET/TIPS certification, or the ability to obtain certification upon hire.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and coach employees at all levels.
• Highly organized with exceptional project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficient with restaurant POS systems, reservation platforms, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and learning management software.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve front‑of‑house training programs, training manuals, SOPs, and operational playbooks for all FOH positions.
• Lead all front‑of‑house training initiatives, hands‑on floor training, refresher courses, and ongoing professional development for hourly employees and management.
• Coach and develop front‑of‑house managers and shift leaders through observation, feedback, and leadership development, partnering with Operations to identify performance trends and training opportunities.
• Collaborate with Operations and Executive Leadership to assess training needs, identify operational gaps, and implement targeted development plans that improve service execution and team performance.
• Facilitate training on POS systems, reservation platforms, menu knowledge, beverage programs, service standards, sales techniques, guest recovery, and company policies.
• Measure the effectiveness of training programs through performance metrics, floor observations, coaching sessions, and employee feedback, using results to continuously enhance learning initiatives.
• Maintain accurate training documentation, certification records, and compliance tracking while ensuring all employees remain current on required food safety, alcohol service, and regulatory certifications.
• Support recruiting and talent development by participating in interviews, evaluating service aptitude during working interviews, and assisting with onboarding and career development initiatives.
• Champion a culture of hospitality, accountability, and continuous learning by reinforcing brand standards and delivering consistent coaching across all restaurant locations.
• Ensure all training programs and practices remain compliant with applicable federal, state, and local employment, health, safety, and labor regulations.

Skills

Restaurant management

Training programs

Coaching

Communication skills

Project management

POS systems

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Learning management software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Tools

ServSafe

BASSET/TIPS

Learning management software

POS systems

Job description

Happy Hospitality in Chicago seeks a strategic, hands-on Training & Development Manager to lead front‑of‑house training across our restaurants. This role builds comprehensive training programs, coaches managers and hourly staff, and ensures operational consistency and guest satisfaction.

As the owner of learning strategies, you will create standardized materials, measure effectiveness, and partner with Operations and Leadership to shape culture, service standards, and leadership development