Director of Learning & Development

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Director of Learning & Development

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Compensation: Aggressive base salary + bonus + car & cell allowance

We’re seeking a Director of Learning & Development to lead the design, execution, and scaling of a brand-new training function for a beloved and rapidly expanding multi-unit restaurant group. This role is perfect for someone with deep restaurant operations experience, a tech-forward approach, and a passion for building learning systems from the ground up.

This is not a “plug and play” training job — it’s a strategic opportunity to leave your mark on a high-growth organization and help shape how hundreds of team members are developed, empowered, and retained across dozens of locations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build a scalable, brand-driven learning & development strategy from the ground up
• Lead the rollout and integration of training platforms (LMS, digital onboarding, mobile tools, etc.)
• Design programs for hourly, leadership, and corporate roles with measurable learning outcomes
• Partner closely with Operations, HR, and IT to embed training systems into daily workflow
• Develop frameworks that promote accountability, consistency, and team retention
• Create tools and processes to track performance, development, and compliance

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• 5+ years of experience in Learning & Development, with at least 2 years in a leadership role
• Must have a strong background in restaurant operations (multi-unit preferred)
• Expert-level understanding of training technology, platforms, and e-learning tools
• Proven success building L&D programs and infrastructure in a growing or scaling company
• Strategic thinker who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments
• Strong communicator with a hands-on, solutions-oriented leadership style

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive base salary with aggressive upside potential
• Bonus eligibility
• Car allowance + cell phone allowance
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and holidays
• Huge growth opportunity with a high-energy, people-first company

If you’re a hospitality-minded leader who thrives at the intersection of operations, training, and tech — this is your opportunity to shape the future of a nationally loved brand.

At Goodwin Recruiting, we are committed to our core values and providing world class customer service. We are committed to helping our clients navigate and comply with the complex and ever-changing labor laws as well as help ensure that in every hiring decision, internally and with our client partners, that all viable candidates are considered, and the most qualified candidate is offered the role. We evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that meet the requirements of the position and aim to open doors and change lives. We value all people, understanding that uniqueness and diversity foster a stronger team that is innovative and brings varying perspectives to the table. We put our money where our mouth is and are proud of our efforts to identify a broad slate of candidates, with many hiring success stories to share.

JOB ID: 159856

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Dustin Durrenberger

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