Training Manager

SUMMARY:
Training Manager - QSR - Durban

POSITION INFO:
Training Manager – QSR / Retail

Our reputable QSR / Retail client is seeking an experienced and highly driven Training Manager to join their team.

Purpose of the Role
The Training Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing training across an allocated portfolio of stores.

The successful candidate will manage and develop a team of trainers while ensuring that employees and management teams are trained in accordance with company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), operational standards, and training requirements.

The role will include facilitating training, coaching and mentoring employees, monitoring training effectiveness, managing training records and reporting, supporting new store openings, and ensuring employees are competent and successfully signed off.

The Training Manager will work closely with operational teams to identify skills gaps, improve employee capability, and ensure consistent training standards across the region.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Minimum 10 years' relevant Restaurant / Fast Food Service experience.
• Strong experience within a QSR / restaurant environment.
• Previous experience managing, coaching, and developing a team of trainers.
• Strong knowledge and practical understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Experience facilitating operational and food preparation training.
• Experience conducting employee assessments, performance evaluations, and training sign-offs.
• Experience supporting new store openings and store training interventions.
• Good knowledge of GP, COS and GRV processes.
• GAAP / MICROS knowledge.
• Computer literate with the ability to compile professional reports.
• Valid driver's license.
• Own reliable vehicle and mobile phone.
• Must be willing and able to travel extensively to stores and outlying areas.

Key Responsibilities

Training & Development

• Conduct training sessions in accordance with company SOPs and operational requirements.
• Train employees on food preparation, operational procedures, and required company standards.
• Facilitate presentations on company training modules and SOPs.
• Support, mentor, and upskill trainees, new employees, and existing store teams.
• Identify skills gaps and implement appropriate training interventions.
• Monitor employee performance and response to training.
• Conduct performance evaluations and identify areas requiring improvement.
• Sign off Manager Trainees throughout the allocated region.
• Drive continuous improvement in employee skills, productivity, and operational capability.

Training Team Management

• Manage and provide leadership to the regional training team.
• Take full accountability for trainers within the allocated Training Manager group.
• Coach, mentor, and develop trainers to ensure consistent training delivery.
• Monitor daily reports submitted by Manager and Skills Trainers and address concerns as they arise.
• Coordinate and maintain training team rosters.
• Ensure training activities and required reporting are completed within agreed deadlines.

New Store Openings

• Coordinate training requirements for new store openings.
• Determine staffing quantities and appropriate training stores.
• Provide weekly training progress updates.
• Ensure required employee and management sign-offs are completed prior to store opening.
• Ensure all relevant POE and training documentation is correctly maintained and filed.
• Provide hands-on mentoring and coaching to teams during new store openings.
• Be available to provide urgent training support to stores when required.

Operational Training & Compliance

• Take responsibility for GP and GRV training and troubleshooting across new and existing stores.
• Maintain accurate attendance registers, training records and supporting documentation.
• Ensure SOP files and employee sign-off documentation remain current.
• Maintain employee task lists, KPIs and results.
• Ensure training activities support operational standards and business requirements.
• Assist the Training Department with ad hoc training projects and initiatives.

Key Performance Areas

• Performance appraisals, Talent Audits and CDPs completed for relevant employees.
• Training and operational reports submitted timeously.
• Effective attraction and retention of talent.
• Talent pipelines maintained for key positions.
• Successful upskilling and development of employees.
• Employee task lists maintained.
• Employee KPIs and results effectively monitored and managed.
• SOP and sign-off documentation maintained and kept up to date.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and coaching ability.
• Strategic thinking.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Adaptability and ability to manage changing operational requirements.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Strong team orientation.
• Willingness to go the extra mile.
• Ability to identify opportunities where training can improve operational and business performance.

Additional Requirements
The successful candidate must be flexible regarding working hours and travel. The role may require Monday to Saturday work, peak-period shifts and extended stays at outlying stores, particularly during new store openings or where urgent training support is required.