Director of Training

Buddy’s Story

Over 75 years ago a new style of pizza was born in the Motor City, and it was different. What makes a pizza Detroit-Style?

The same things that made Detroit, MI a little bit of ingenuity, some stubborn spirit and a whole lot of heart. It’s what sparked an original idea back in 1946 to take a steel auto pan, create something new and make Buddy’s the birthplace of Detroit-Style Pizza.

Detroit-Style Pizza is recognizable by its iconic square shape and crunchy, cheesy corner slices. Founded on the corner of Six Mile and Conant, Buddy’s has now grown to over 20 locations and is expanding throughout the mid-west to introduce Detroit-Style Pizza beyond the Detroit area.

The Director Operation Excellence reports directly to the COO, plans, directs, and coordinates the training and development activities of Buddy’s team members, licenses, and future franchise partners.

Currently this position has 2 (two) direct reports.

Responsibilities :

Training Program Development :

• Develop training programs for various roles, including managers, supervisors, front-of-house and back-of-house.
• Design training materials, resources, and exercises that focus on guest service, food safety, menu knowledge, and standard operating procedures.
• Design programs that reflect Buddy’s Pizza Culture and provide practical applications of the core values.

Training execution :

• Coordinate and conduct training sessions for new hires and existing employees.
• Utilize hands-on training, shadowing, role-playing, and other interactive methods to enhance learning.
• Prepare cascade training programs from Support Center to key members.
• Develop and maintain programs for Certified trainers, cand certified training managers.

Menu Knowledge

• Ensure that the teams have a thorough understanding of the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and any allergen information.
• Train servers to provide recommendations and answer guest inquiries about the menu, products, seasonality and regionality.

Hospitality Excellence :

• Implement guest service and hospitality training to ensure consistent and high-quality service standards.
• Train managers to handle guest complaints, provide solutions, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ensure that the teams have a thorough understanding of the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and any allergen information.

Food Safety and Hygiene :

• Develop training on food safety protocols, health regulations, and proper hygiene practices in compliance with local laws.
• Ensure staff are well-versed in food handling, storage, and cleanliness.

Onboarding and Orientation :

• Develop an effective onboarding process to integrate new hires into the restaurant's culture, values, and operations.
• Facilitate orientation sessions covering company policies, expectations, and employee benefits.
• Interview candidates that meet the philosophy and culture of Buddy’s.

Performance Evaluation :

• Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and their impact on employee performance.
• Gather feedback from the managers, team members, and customers to make improvements.

Training Compliance :

• Ensure that all training programs are aligned with regulatory requirements and industry standards. Serv safe, TIPS trainings.
• Keep up to date with changes in laws or regulations related to the restaurant industry.

Technology Integration :

Incorporate technology, such as Schoox, mobile apps, etc., to facilitate training delivery and assessment.

Education & Experience :

• Degree in Business Administration, Management, Human Resources or related field, or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree, required.
• five (5) years working in a management role.
• five (5) years of prior food and beverage or hospitality experience is required.

Certifications & Licenses :

ServSafe certification

Physical & Safety Requirements :

• Prolonged periods sitting, standing, walking, pulling, pushing, stretching, twisting, reaching, kneeling, stooping and bending with your body, arms, and / or legs.
• Must wear job specific personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participation in all safety and OSHA trainings.
• Ability to work with kitchen equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds comfortably.

Work Schedule / Hours :

5 days a week as needed / 50 hours per week.

Travel :

Approximately 50%-75%.

EEO Statement :

At Buddy’s we have a long history of celebrating diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that accepts all individuals and their differences.

As an equal opportunity employer, we prohibit discrimination and harassment in accordance with federal, state and local laws.