Training Manager / L&D Specialist

Outside Capital; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading training and development firm in South Africa is seeking a Training Manager / L&D Specialist to lead people development strategies across restaurant teams. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in training, a relevant tertiary qualification, and strong interpersonal skills. Responsibilities include championing training initiatives, optimizing skills, and ensuring the successful completion of key certifications. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in professional growth and capability building.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years in a National Training Capacity.
• Experience in the Catering/Restaurant/QSR/Retail sector.
• Exceptional presentation skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Champion training and development initiatives to enhance service.
• Drive margin optimization by identifying skill gaps.
• Ensure successful completion of certifications for restaurant teams.

Skills

Training and development

Exceptional facilitation skills

Interpersonal communication

MS Office Suite proficiency

Education

Relevant Tertiary Qualification

Job description

Introduction

Are you passionate about nurturing talent and driving professional growth within a dynamic, high-volume environment?

We are seeking an inspirational Training Manager / L&D Specialist to spearhead our client's people development strategy.

This is a pivotal role where you will design, implement, and oversee impactful training interventions and workshops for restaurant teams nationwide.

You will play a crucial role in monitoring the progress of Skills Trainers, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent, and partnering closely with Operations and HR to achieve business objectives.

If you thrive on building capability, fostering learning, and making a tangible difference in people's careers, this exciting opportunity awaits.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Champion training and development initiatives that empower operations to consistently deliver high-quality products and exceptional service, directly contributing to budgeted sales growth.
• Drive margin optimization by identifying and addressing skill gaps, ensuring profitable business outcomes.
• Oversee and ensure the successful completion of key certifications for restaurant teams, including RGM Academy, ARM LAR, SS LAS, TM Training, AC LMR & AC Unlock, and RGM LwH.
• Develop and maintain robust bench strength across various restaurant roles (AC, RGM, ARM, SS) to ensure operational readiness.
• Implement talent management strategies to achieve an 80% internal promotion rate, including quarterly talent assessments, mapping, and ensuring clear Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and career paths for key personnel.
• Ensure all new appointees undergo successful induction training within 14 days of commencement.
• Conduct monthly training audits with Skills Trainers to ensure all training records and policies are meticulously maintained and up-to-date.
• Design and develop innovative training materials aligned with evolving business needs, including content for special projects like device usage, cashier training, and digital routines.
• Effectively administer and manage training data within The Valut & GEM systems, ensuring timely updates for user management and course assignments.
• Collaborate with Operations partners to conduct daily ROCC (Restaurant Operations Compliance Checklist) visits, ensuring adherence to standards and submitting comprehensive reports.
• Conduct strategic prep visits during peak periods to support operational excellence.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• A valid driver's license and own reliable transport.
• A relevant Tertiary Qualification.
• Proven experience within the Catering / Restaurant / QSR / Retail sector.
• A minimum of 5 years in a National Training Capacity.
• Demonstrated passion for training and development.
• Exceptional facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to work efficiently and independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.
• A commitment to confidentiality, trustworthiness, and reliability.
• Experience leveraging skills and knowledge to build people capability and feed the talent pipeline for growth.