Director of Learning & People Development

DIN TAI FUNG RESTAURANTS

Job Title: Director of Learning & People Development
Compensation: $183,000 - $203,000 Annual Salary
The base salary or hourly wage range for this role will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors. Range is not inclusive of potential bonus or benefits. Your recruiter can share more information about the salary range and other factors during the hiring process.

Location: Hybrid, Din Tai Fung - Corporate Office in Arcadia, California


About Us:
Din Tai Fung, a globally acclaimed culinary icon renowned for the art of Xiao Long Bao, is on a mission to create first-class dining experiences through its unwavering commitment to excellence in food, service and ambiance. Originally founded as a cooking oil retail business in Taiwan in 1958 by Bing-Yi Yang and his wife, Pen-Mei Lai, Din Tai Fung was reborn into a humble dumpling and noodle shop in 1972. Today, the Michelin-recognized restaurant brand continues to be family-owned and passed down through generations, with more than 170 locations in 13 countries worldwide.

Since its founding, Din Tai Fung has become synonymous with quality and consistency and known for its warm hospitality and delicacies with authentic flavors. Entering the North America market in 2000, the restaurant brand opened its first U.S. location in Arcadia, California and has 16 locations to-date, offering an upscale yet inviting cultural dining experience. With each restaurant, each interaction, and each bite, DTF aims to bring people together to inspire appreciation of culture.

Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive Pay & Benefits
• Employer Contribution for individuals and eligible dependents' medical insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Commuter Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts through BenefitHub
• Employee Meal Discounts
• Opportunities for growth; we love promoting within!

About the Role:
The Director of Learning & People Development will lead the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of Din Tai Fung’s Learning & People Development strategy. This strategic role focuses on driving organizational growth through the development of leadership capabilities, fostering a diverse talent pipeline, and enhancing employee engagement. The Director will oversee a team responsible for delivering innovative, data-driven learning solutions that align with the company’s values (SMILE: Synergy, Modesty, Integrity, Learning, Excellence) and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:
Learning & People Development Strategy:

• Influence and execute a comprehensive Learning & People Development strategy that supports business growth, operational excellence, and cultural alignment.
• Lead the creation of tailored learning programs that support technical, operational, and leadership competencies, ensuring that all programs contribute to the development of a skilled, engaged, and empowered workforce.
• Continuously align learning initiatives with evolving business needs, ensuring that they are relevant and impactful.

Talent Pipeline Development:

• Collaborate with HR and Operations to build a deep bench of diverse talent, focusing on developing leadership and high-potential employees.
• Design and implement tools and processes that support talent identification, succession planning, and career progression, using data to track progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Leadership Competency Development:

• Define and embed leadership competencies across all levels of the organization, ensuring consistent leadership behaviors and decision-making aligned with company values.
• Lead leadership development programs that foster skills in emotional intelligence, communication, coaching, and performance management, preparing employees for higher-level roles.

Employee Engagement and Experience:

• Lead initiatives to capture the Voice of the Employee, including the design and execution of employee engagement surveys and focus groups.
• Analyze employee engagement data to identify trends, make recommendations, and partner with cross-functional teams to implement action plans that enhance satisfaction and retention.
• Foster a culture of feedback, learning, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Data-Driven Talent Development:

• Use workforce analytics to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities in talent development, making data-driven recommendations to shape and influence the organization’s talent strategy.
• Monitor the effectiveness of learning and people development initiatives, using data to assess impact on employee performance, engagement, and retention.
• Provide regular reports to senior leadership, highlighting key insights and recommending adjustments to support strategic goals.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of instructional designers, field trainers, content specialists, and people development specialists, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Encourage professional growth and development within the team, ensuring that they are equipped to design and deliver high-quality, learner-centric programs.

Instructional Design & Learning Solutions:

• Oversee the design and implementation of learning programs using adult learning theories and instructional design models (such as ADDIE).
• Ensure that learning solutions are dynamic, inclusive, and meet the needs of a diverse employee base, supporting both frontline and leadership development.
• Continuously refine learning programs based on feedback and evolving organizational needs, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:

• Partner with Operations, HR, Internal Communication, and senior leadership to ensure seamless implementation and execution of learning and people development initiatives.
• Act as a strategic advisor to leadership, providing insights and recommendations on talent development, leadership effectiveness, and organizational growth.

Change Management & Culture Building:

• Lead change management efforts to support the adoption of new processes, tools, and leadership expectations, fostering a culture that embraces learning and development.
• Champion initiatives that promote Din Tai Fung’s cultural values and enhance the overall employee experience.

Performance & Impact Measurement:

• Establish and track metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of learning and development programs, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Use data to assess the impact of people development initiatives on key performance indicators such as employee engagement, retention, and leadership readiness.

Role Competencies: Situational adaptability, Cultivates innovation, Drives vision and purpose, Attracts top talent, Strategic mindset

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Learning & Development, Organizational Development, Human Resources, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in building technical training and leadership development curriculum and programs.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in learning and development, talent management, or organizational development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience developing leadership programs and scaling learning solutions in fast-paced environments, preferably within the restaurant or hospitality industry.
• Expertise in instructional design models (such as ADDIE), adult learning principles, and workforce analytics.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Experience with employee engagement tools, leadership development frameworks, and talent management systems.
• Experience in building talent management processes and programs, including performance management, succession planning, and employee engagement.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, and stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

NOTE: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.

Din Tai Fung is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Fair Chance Initiative. Din Tai Fung is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer – M/F/D/V

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and able to provide documentation to work in the United States legally.

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