Learning and Development Director

The Chefs' Warehouse Inc

Ridgefield, CT

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Best Practices, Career Counseling, Communication Skills, Consultative Sales, Consulting, Continuous Improvement, Customer Relations, Distribution Services, Emerging Technology, Entrepreneurship, Establish Priorities, Food Safety, Food Services, Food and Beverage Industry, Health Plan, Human Resources, Instructional Design, Leadership, Learning Management System (LMS), Life Insurance, Logistics, Metrics, Mobile Technology, Needs Assessment, OSHA, Onboarding, Organizational Development/Management, Organizational Skills, Project/Program Management, Regulations, Restaurant, Safety Compliance, Safety Training, Sales, Stock Purchase Plans, Succession Planning, Supply Chain, Training Program, Training Program Development, Training/Teaching, Warehousing, eLearning
LOCATION
Ridgefield, CT
POSTED
30+ days ago

About The Chefs Warehouse

The Chefs Warehouse Inc. http://www.chefswarehouse.com combines exceptional quality and brand building with broadline food service distribution for more than 40 years. With Protein Specialty Produce and Broadline offerings, we service the most discerning chefs in a hybrid approach of convenience and superior quality. We introduce more than 4000 artisan producers of the worlds finest ingredients from over 40 countries to the finest chefs in the world. We passionately consult, sell, and build relationships with more than 50000 customers through the most experienced network of over 600 consultive sales associates, best-in-breed technology, rapid service, and support levels that solidify our long-standing ties to both established and up-and-coming premium restaurants.

Mission

The mission of The Chefs Warehouse is to provide the worlds greatest ingredients to the worlds best chefs. Our C.H.E.F.S. Values

• Curious & Creative • Hungry For Food & Results • Entrepreneurial • Forward Thinking & Flexible • Supportive Of Peers & Chefs

Summary

The Director of Learning and Development (L&D) is responsible for designing, implementing, and spearheading structured training and development protocols that support organizational growth, employee engagement, and operational excellence at The Chefs Warehouse. This role ensures that employees-across warehouse logistics, sales, and leadership-gain the right skills at the right stage of their careers with a focus on continuity of learning as they advance into roles of greater responsibility.

What Youll Do

Learning Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a company-wide training framework organized by employee level, ensuring continuity and progression as employees move from frontline roles into supervisory and leadership positions. • Partner with senior leadership to identify and prioritize training needs across operations, logistics, warehouse safety, compliance, and customer-facing functions. • Act as the organizational lead for L&D, aligning training initiatives with business priorities and future talent needs.

Training Design & Delivery

• Spearhead the design, rollout, and governance of training pathways by level (e.g., entry-level onboarding, mid-level role mastery, leadership readiness). • Create scalable, repeatable learning protocols that reinforce knowledge and prepare employees for the next stage of responsibility. • Integrate multiple modalities (classroom, e-learning, on-the-job, and coaching) to enhance training effectiveness and accessibility.

Performance & Compliance

• Ensure all training programs meet regulatory and safety requirements (OSHA, DOT, food safety, etc.). • Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness and continuity of training programs, measuring impact on productivity, retention, safety, and leadership pipeline development. • Collaborate with HR on onboarding, career pathing, and succession planning initiatives.

Technology & Innovation

• Implement and manage the Learning Management System (LMS) to structure, track, and deliver role-specific learning journeys. • Leverage emerging technologies (mobile learning, microlearning, virtual training) to support scalable and engaging programs. • Stay current with trends and best practices in workforce learning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness.

About You

Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, or related field. Masters preferred. 8 years of progressive experience in Learning and Development with demonstrated expertise in training program design, rollout, and governance. Industry experience in food distribution, supply chain logistics, or related sectors strongly preferred. Knowledge of compliance and safety training requirements in the food distribution industry. Strong communication, facilitation, and program design skills. Proficiency in LMS platforms, e-learning tools, and instructional design methodologies.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align training initiatives to evolving business needs. • Strong program and project management skills with a focus on structured execution. • Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization. • Results-driven with an emphasis on measurable impact and continuous improvement.

Perks & Benefits

• Paid Vacations • Paid Holidays • Health, Dental, and Medical Benefits • Weekly pay • Life Insurance • 5% above cost for our high-quality food products • Employee discounts for travel and events • 401k • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Chefs Warehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage, or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. We are dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.

About the Company

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The Chefs' Warehouse Inc

The Chefs' Warehouse is a specialty food distributor that began sourcing products for high-end chefs over 30 years ago. With locations in New York City, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Portland and Miami, The Chefs' Warehouse serves the finest restaurants, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools and specialty food stores around the country. Its product portfolio includes over 11,500 items and consists of imported and domestic specialty food products, such as artisan charcuterie, specialty cheeses, oils and vinegars, hormone-free protein, truffles, caviar and chocolate.

COMPANY SIZE
5,000 to 9,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Food and Beverage Production
FOUNDED
1985
WEBSITE
https://www.chefswarehouse.com/