Company: Milkshake Factory Location: Pittsburgh, PA (Some on-site work required)

Job Title: Director of Training

Job Description:

MilkShake Factory is seeking an experienced Director of Training to implement comprehensive training programs for our franchisees. This role requires a deep understanding of franchise operations, food safety, a passion for education, and the ability to work collaboratively while effectively communicating with all levels of personnel including team members, store leadership, franchisees, and executives. Milkshake Factory is a “food safety first” culture and will require this individual to effectively lead that charge with franchisees from initial onboarding through ongoing training.

The Director of Training will need to be a self-starter, clear communicator, and multi-tasker who is energized by a fast-moving environment. They will report directly to Franchise Onboarding Specialists.

Key Responsibilities:

Training Program Implementation: Deploy existing training materials and update and customize training programs to ensure franchisees are equipped with the knowledge and skills required for successful operations. The Director of Training will evaluate new training techniques, suggest enhancements to existing training programs and establish relationships with vendors to provide any additional outside training programs. The successful candidate will be cost conscious and manage expenses to stay within budget.

Franchisee Onboarding: Develop onboarding processes that introduce new franchisees to company culture, policies, and operational procedures.

Ongoing Training: Establish continuous learning initiatives, including workshops, seminars, and online resources, to support franchisees in staying updated on industry trends and best practices, including implementing successful rollout schedules to introduce new procedures and programs.

Training Materials: Continuously update and maintain training manuals, videos, and other educational materials to facilitate training programs, including executing the launch of new training materials to existing and future franchisees.

Performance Evaluation: Implement performance evaluation tools and conduct assessments to measure the effectiveness of training programs and identify areas for improvement.

Compliance: Ensure that franchisees comply with company standards, policies, and procedures through effective training and ongoing support.

Communication: Foster open and effective communication channels with franchisees, addressing their concerns and providing solutions to challenges they may encounter. This role requires excellent facilitation skills and the ability to present in front of an audience.

Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, marketing, and product development, to align training programs with overall company objectives.

Franchisee Support: Offer ongoing support and guidance to franchisees, including troubleshooting operational issues and providing resources for business improvement.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Education, Hotel Restaurant Management, or a related field.

5-10 years of experience in franchisee training, with a proven record of accomplishment.

Strong understanding of franchise operations in the Food and Beverage industry with a highly preferred experience with an emerging growing brand.

Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to develop, test, validate and implement effective training programs.

Ability to analyze and interpret P&L and KPI data to direct leadership to respond to business opportunities

Proficiency in using training software and tools.

Detail-oriented and highly organized.

Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Wisetail experience preferred.

Other Considerations:

Franchising and Food and Beverage industry experience.

Experience with gamification software is helpful

Experiential/Teamwork training

Within driving distance of Pittsburgh, PA preferred as 35% or more of time will be required to be in Pittsburgh - relocation negotiable

Why Join MilkShake Factory? At MilkShake Factory, we are passionate about creating unforgettable dessert experiences that bring joy to our customers. As the Director of Training, you will have the chance to impact the success of our franchisees of this growing brand by providing the tools necessary to operate with excellence in the food and beverage industry. We offer a collaborative, fun, and fast-paced work environment with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Flexible work from home options available.