Menu Innovation & Training Manager

Big Woods Restaurants born and homebrewed in Nashville, Indiana, is a local company with a passion for hospitality. What began as a single location has blossomed into a family of 7, serving communities across Indiana. We believe that every guest who walks through our doors deserves more than just a meal; they deserve an unforgettable experience. At Big Woods Restaurants, we take immense pride in our warm and welcoming hospitality. Our commitment extends beyond excellent service to our dedication to showcasing the best of Indiana. We proudly offer a curated selection of local brews, handcrafted cocktails and heartwarming Midwestern comfort food. As part of our extended family, we work hand-in-hand with our sister companies, Hard Truth Restaurant, Hard Truth Distilling Co and Quaff ON! Brewing Co. Together, we’re more than just a group of businesses; we’re sharing our love for craft and community with every guest we serve.

Big Woods is seeking a passionate and creative Menu Innovation and Training Manager to join our dynamic restaurant group. This role is integral to driving culinary excellence and ensuring our teams are empowered to deliver exceptional guest experiences. The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading menu developments, implementing training programs, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in our multi-unit operation.

Menu Innovation And Training Manager Key Responsibilities

Menu Innovation

• Develop and refine menu offerings to align with brand identity, guest preferences, and market trends.
• Collaborate with kitchen teams to test and perfect recipes, ensuring consistency and quality across all locations.
• Analyze food costs and profitability to optimize menu performance.
• Introduce seasonal and limited-time menu items to keep offerings fresh and engaging.
• Partner with bartenders to create unique food and beverage pairings.
  
  

Training and Development

• Design and implement comprehensive training programs for culinary and front-of-house teams.
• Ensure all staff are proficient in preparing and presenting menu items according to established standards.
• Develop training materials, including manuals, videos, e-learning and hands-on workshops.
• Conduct regular evaluations and retraining to maintain high performance levels.
• Act as a mentor and resource for team members seeking professional growth.
• Assess the skill gaps and training requirements of employees or teams within the organization.
• Play a key role in preserving our unique cultural identity while adapting to changing business needs.
  
  

Operational Excellence

• Manage training budgets, ensuring cost-effective program delivery.
• Continuously assess and adapt training programs to meet changing organizational needs.
• Ensure training programs align with relevant laws and regulations, such as safety or compliance training.
• Work closely with the operations team to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitor offerings to maintain a competitive edge.
• Maintain training records and documentation.
  
  

Menu Innovation And Training Manager Qualifications

• Experience: 5 years in culinary management, menu development, or a related role, preferably in a multi-unit restaurant setting.
• Education: Degree or certification in culinary arts, hospitality management, or a related field (preferred).
• Proven ability to innovate and execute menu concepts.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Knowledge of food cost analysis and inventory management.
• Familiarity with training methodologies, instructional design, and e-learning tools.
• Ability to assess training needs and evaluate the impact of training programs.
• Effective project management and multitasking capabilities.
• Keep up-to-date with industry trends and changes in training methods.
• Proficiency with training software and tools, including Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Ability to identify issues and develop solutions within the training and development context.
  
  

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company paid life insurance.
• 401K after one year of employment.
• Employee discounts across all brands.
• PTO and paid holidays.
• Cell phone stipend.