Job Function

The Senior Manager, Learning & Development (L&D) is responsible for designing, developing, and executing learning strategies that build leadership capability, drive operational excellence, and support business growth across the Dual Brand system (Applebee's | IHOP).

This is a highly hands-on role with full accountability for learning strategy, content development, program delivery, and management of the Dual Brand Learning Management System (LMS). This role partners closely with Operations, HR, and Brand leadership to deliver scalable, practical learning solutions that improve performance across franchise and company-operated restaurants.

Critical Accountabilities

• Learning Program Delivery: Deliver high-quality, scalable training programs on time and aligned to business needs
• LMS Effectiveness: Ensure the Dual Brand LMS is accurate, organized, utilized, and delivering value Content Quality: Maintain current, relevant training content aligned to brand standards and operational priorities
• Business Impact: Drive measurable improvements in leadership capability and operational performance
• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensure learning solutions are practical, adopted, and aligned with Operations and Brand priorities

Essential Duties

• Learning Strategy, Design & Delivery

Develop and execute L&D strategies aligned with business goals and operational priorities Design, develop, and maintain leadership development, onboarding, and operational training programs Create learning solutions across formats (e-learning, instructor-led, job aids, resource manuals) using instructional design best practices Facilitate training sessions, pilot programs, and key learning initiatives as needed

• Learning Systems (LMS)

Manage the Dual Brand LMS, including course structure, content, and learner experience Ensure content accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with business needs Monitor usage, completion, and compliance metrics Continuously improve system effectiveness and adoption

• Business Partnership & Field Enablement

Partner with Operations, HR, and Brand leadership to identify capability gaps and deliver targeted solutions Partner cross-functionally with Brand training teams to adapt existing Brand training content to support Dual Brands restaurants. Translate operational needs into practical, scalable training programs Support field leaders and franchisees with tools that drive consistency and execution Communicate learning initiatives and updates across stakeholders

• Measurement & Continuous Improvement

Define and track success metrics for learning programs Use data and feedback to improve content, programs, and learner experience Provide insights and recommendations to leadership to enhance impact

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Environment: Remote or corporate office with periodic field engagement
• Schedule: Flexible based on business needs, including occasional evenings/weekends
• Travel: ~10-15% for program delivery and field engagement
• Technical Demands: Significant computer use, content development, and system management
• Communication: Frequent interaction with cross-functional stakeholders and field leaders
• Target Base $120k-135k depending on experience