Staffing & Training Manager

We are seeking an experienced Staffing & Training Manager to support a dynamic restaurant group operating multiple concepts in the Little Rock area. This role will focus on recruiting, developing, and retaining talent, while building and executing training programs that elevate service, operations, and culture across all brands. The ideal candidate is a people-first leader with strong operational insight, a track record in hospitality staffing or training, and a passion for building high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

Staffing & Talent Acquisition

• Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract top talent for all levels: hourly, supervisory, and management roles.
• Manage the full candidate lifecycle: job postings, screening, interviewing, offers, onboarding documentation, and orientation.
• Build talent pipelines and establish relationships with local colleges, hospitality networks, and industry groups.
• Collaborate with store leadership to anticipate staffing needs, support openings/expansions, and ensure optimal coverage across all locations.

Training & Development

• Design, implement, and maintain training programs and curriculum for front-of-house, back-of-house, and management roles.
• Deliver training sessions (in-person and virtual) on service standards, operational procedures, systems use (POS, inventory, scheduling), brand culture, and guest experience excellence.
• Monitor training effectiveness through assessments, feedback, performance metrics, and ongoing coaching.
• Partner with store leaders to identify future talent, build bench strength, and create advancement plans.

Culture & Engagement

• Promote a consistent brand culture across all concepts emphasizing hospitality, teamwork, quality, and guest-centric service.
• Support management teams in building inclusive, energizing environments where staff feel supported, empowered, and motivated.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives, recognition programs, and continuous feedback loops to reduce turnover and enhance retention.

Operational Support

• Standardize staffing models, scheduling practices, labor forecasting, and coverage strategies in collaboration with operations leadership.
• Ensure new locations and concept launches are fully staffed, trained, and ready for operations.
• Monitor key metrics (turnover, training completion rates, time-to-fill, performance improvement) and partner with leadership to drive improvement.
• Maintain training records, documentation, training libraries, and ensure compliance with all relevant requirements (food safety, alcohol certification, etc.).

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in hospitality staffing, training & development, or multi-unit operations, preferably in the restaurant or hospitality industry.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver training programs and to coach front-line and management teams.
• Strong recruiting skills with full-cycle hiring experience; ability to build pipelines and partner with academic and industry networks.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with operational awareness and ability to align people initiatives with business goals.
• Proficient in POS systems, scheduling tools, learning management systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience in multi-unit or multi-concept hospitality environments preferred.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to make a tangible impact on brand growth and team culture across a regional restaurant group.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Career growth opportunities within a growing organization.
• Collaborative and energetic culture that values people and hospitality excellence.