• Job Description

  Req#: 564244

  Strategic Operations, Learning & Development Lead

  CORNBREAD is a fast-casual, fast-paced, farm-to-table, fun-to-work-at restaurant focusing on authentic soul food and the use of innovative technology to provide a unique and family-friendly dining experience. We’re proud to source all of our ingredients from local farmers and shops. Our food is always fresh because we prepare our meals around the clock with great love and care. Please visit our website at www.cornbreadsoul.com to learn more about our company values.

  
  

  Job Summary

  The Strategic Operations, Learning & Development Lead will serve as the architect and executor of Cornbread’s operational and people development infrastructure. This is a hybrid role that combines systems thinking, operational rigor, and heart-centered leadership to shape how we train, grow, and scale with excellence.

  
  

  This person will build a comprehensive digital training ecosystem, drive menu readiness and operational alignment, and lead the implementation of SOPs that foster a culture of consistency, accountability, and joy at every level of the organization.

  
  

  Learning & Development Infrastructure (35%)

  • Build a centralized, best-in-class digital training platform that includes modules for front-of-house, back-of-house, management, and leadership roles.

  • Write, direct, and produce training videos that teach everything from hospitality standards to food safety and team culture.

  • Develop a comprehensive onboarding training program that sets new employees up for success from Day 1.

  • Ensure training tools are mobile-accessible, user-friendly, and integrated with HR systems .

  • Continually update the training system based on feedback, performance metrics, and operational changes.

  Strategic Operations & Menu Integration (30%)

  • Partner with the Operations team to forecast Limited Time Offers (LTOs) and product rollouts across all locations.

  • Create and manage menu cards, training guides, and roll-out kits for new items and seasonal updates.

  • Support store-level execution by refining kitchen workflows, station maps, production systems , and FOH/BOH playbooks.

  • Implement and maintain cleaning SOPs and maintenance checklists across locations, ensuring sanitation standards exceed industry benchmarks.

  
  

  Culture, Team Happiness & People Development (25%)

  • Collaborate with the HR team to design growth pathways and leadership development programs.

  • Help foster a culture of happiness, recognition, and accountability rooted in operational excellence.

  • Serve as a cultural ambassador—ensuring that SOPs don’t just create consistency but celebrate the soul of our concept .

  • Lead initiatives that promote employee engagement, continuous learning, and retention .

  • Regularly visit stores to provide in-person support, coaching, and feedback loops with team members.

  SOPs, Systems & Standards of Excellence (10%)

  • Create and maintain a library of clear, actionable SOPs for all areas of operations—from opening/closing checklists to service recovery procedures.

  • Partner with the Executive Team and field leadership to ensure SOPs are implemented, followed, and measured across all stores.

  • Develop systems for auditing execution, identifying performance gaps, and providing targeted retraining where needed.

  Qualifications

  • 5–8+ years in restaurant training & development, with hands-on restaurant management experience.

  • Experience building digital training platforms and multimedia learning content. Strong understanding of restaurant P&Ls, menu operations, and labor forecasting.

  • Passion for hospitality, culture, and equity in the food industry.

  • Clear, concise communicator with an eye for both detail and the big picture.

  • Tech-savvy: proficient in Google Workspace, digital LMS platforms, Canva, video creation tools, and project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Notion).

  • Proven track record of creating culture through systems and scaling with heart.

  What We Offer

  • Competitive salary, with performance bonuses based on impact and innovation.

  • Direct partnership with founders and executive team in shaping the future of Cornbread.

  • The opportunity to build from the ground up and leave your mark on a purpose-driven, fast-growing brand.

  • Benefits package, professional development, and a mission-aligned workplace where excellence meets soul

  Salary Range: $130,000 – $150,000

  Cornbread is an equal-opportunity employer. Cornbread will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws.

• About the company

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