Learning & Development Specialist

Join Maple Hospitality Group, where culinary excellence meets unparalleled service. Led by renowned restaurateur Jim Lasky and two-Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant, known for his innovative approach to fine dining, we're building a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to creating iconic destinations.

We believe success hinges on impeccable food, world-class service, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. As we expand across Chicago, Scottsdale, Dallas, Miami, Santa Barbara and Boston you'll find endless opportunities for growth, travel, and continuing education.

Our culture is built on four core principles:

• Generosity: Always give more, exceed expectations.
• Excellence: Deliver exceptional work with unmatched expertise.
• Fun: Love what you do, laugh often, and enjoy the journey.
• Fail Fast: Learn from mistakes, adapt, and keep improving.

Who You Are

Maple Hospitality Group is seeking an experienced Learning & Development Specialist to manage the design, development, and delivery of training programs for corporate staff and the operational teams at our flagship restaurant, Maple & Ash Chicago. This role requires a proficient instructional designer and effective facilitator who can ensure the consistent implementation of luxury service standards and drive improved performance across the organization through targeted learning initiatives.

• Needs Assessment: Conduct thorough training needs assessments in collaboration with department heads and operational leaders across corporate and restaurant functions.
• Instructional Design: Design, develop, and update learning solutions, including workshops, e-learning modules, blended programs, and job aids, based on adult learning principles.
• Curriculum Management: Create and maintain curriculum for new hire orientation, professional development, and compliance training programs, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and business objectives.

• Service & Operations Training: Develop and deliver specialized training focused on luxury service excellence, operational procedures, culinary knowledge, beverage programs, POS systems, and guest experience protocols for all front-of-house and back-of-house positions.
• Support Opening Training: Lead and execute training programs for all staff during the launch of new restaurant concepts and market expansion projects.
• Protocol Implementation: Support the seamless implementation of new menu items, service standards, and technology enhancements through focused, effective training.
• Performance Intervention: Partner with restaurant management to identify performance deficiencies and implement targeted training interventions to drive measurable improvements in service quality and efficiency.

• Corporate Training: Design and deliver programs focused on enhancing core corporate competencies such as communication, project management, software proficiency, and leadership skills.
• Talent Development: Assist in the development and execution of programs aimed at building an internal talent pipeline and supporting employee career progression.
• Onboarding: Manage the corporate new hire onboarding experience, ensuring cultural integration and fundamental systems training.

• Measurement & Reporting: Establish metrics and evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of L&D programs. Prepare reports on training outcomes and participation.
• LMS Management: Administer the company's Learning Management System (LMS), including content uploading, user management, and tracking of course completions and certifications.
• Shift Management: Must be flexible to work shifts that align with restaurant and corporate operating hours, including nights and weekends, to provide hands-on, real-time training and support.
• Travel Requirement: Ability to travel up to 25% for new market openings, corporate training sessions, and site visits to existing concepts.

Who We Are Looking For

• Experience: Bachelor's degree in Organizational Development, Adult Education, or a related field. 3-5 years of demonstrated success in a dedicated Learning & Development role, with experience in the luxury hospitality, fine dining, or premium consumer brand sector preferred. Proven experience developing and executing training for new location openings is highly desirable.
• Skills: Strong understanding of adult learning theory and instructional design methodologies. Exceptional facilitation and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Technical: Proven proficiency in utilizing a Learning Management System (LMS) and experience with e-learning authoring tools.
• Attributes: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships across departments. Must be comfortable adapting to an irregular schedule and demanding project deadlines.