Training & Development Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

Happy Hospitality is seeking a strategic Training & Development Manager to lead front-of-house training across restaurants. Develops training materials, coaches managers and hourly staff, and measures effectiveness to boost performance and guest satisfaction.

Reports to Corporate/Front of House; location in Chicago. Requires 3–5+ years in restaurant management; ServSafe/BASSET/TIPS cert or ability to obtain. Salary range $70,000–$85,000 with bonus eligibility.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of restaurant or hospitality management experience.
• Minimum of 2 years leading training programs in full-service restaurants.
• Proven ability to coach and develop hourly employees and management.
• Strong knowledge of front-of-house operations, guest service standards, and food safety.
• ServSafe and BASSET/TIPS certification or ability to obtain on hire.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and improve front-of-house training programs and SOPs.
• Lead training initiatives, on-the-floor coaching, and refresher courses.
• Coach front-of-house managers through observation and feedback.
• Collaborate with Operations to assess training needs and gaps.
• Ensure training compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain training documentation and certifications.

Skills

Hospitality leadership

Training program development

Coaching & mentoring

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Tools

POS systems

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Learning management software

Job description

About Us

We are the marinara-muddled minds behind Happy Camper, Homeslice, and Paradise Park. Our restaurants are wall to wall with lights, murals, and vignettes for the perfect gram. We are known for our art inspired spaces, delicious food and great vibes. Our brand is glued together by our company culture. Currently, we are looking for other folks who are enthusiastic about being part of our team and growing our ever-evolving brand. Many of our employees have been with the company from the first installment of the brand. Our careers feel like a life purpose for many of us and a common thread is that we pay a distinct amount of attention to detail in creating this atmosphere. The ideal candidate wants to really enjoy their work environment and the people they work with. With a restaurant group expanding as rapidly as we have, we need someone who is self-motivated, and willing to take initiative. The ideal candidate wants to really enjoy their work environment and the people they work with. With a restaurant group expanding as rapidly as we have, we need someone who is self-motivated, and willing to take initiative.

Happy Hospitality
1919 West North Ave

Chicago, IL 60622

Position Opening: Training & Development Manager

Job Summary

Happy Hospitality is seeking a strategic, hands-on Training & Development Manager to lead the development and execution of front-of-house training across our restaurants. This role is responsible for building and maintaining comprehensive training programs, ensuring operational consistency, and developing teams that deliver exceptional hospitality at every guest interaction.

As the owner of our front-of-house learning and development strategy, the Training & Development Manager will create standardized training materials, coach managers and hourly team members, and continuously evaluate training effectiveness to drive performance, retention, and guest satisfaction. Working closely with Operations and Leadership, this individual will help shape the culture, service standards, and leadership development that define the Happy Hospitality experience.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on the restaurant floor, enjoys developing people, and is passionate about creating systems that support long-term operational excellence.

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.

Physical Functions

• Ability to communicate orally with customers, management, and other co-workers, both individually and in front of a group is crucial.
• Regular use of the telephone for communication is essential.
• Must be able to exert well-paced and frequent mobility for periods of up to 10 hours or as needed.
• High levels of noise from music, customer and employee traffic.
• Must be able to tolerate potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish.

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.
• Flexible schedule with the ability work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support training initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Human Resources, Education, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and industry experience.

Compensation Details

Compensation: $70,000 - $85,000 Annual Salary
Eligible for Bonus based on Performance

Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Additional pre-employment requirements may apply based on the position.

Department : Corporate/Front of House
Reports to : DO, COO
Status : Salary
FLSA Code : Exempt
Location : Chicago

Happy Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, age, veteran status, life experiences and ideas. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and strive to provide an inclusive culture that embraces diversity

Must be eligible to legally work in the United States.