Manager - Leadership and Professional Development

About the role

The Manager, Leadership & Professional Development plays a critical role in building programs and experiences that help our leaders and team members thrive. This role designs, delivers, and scales leadership development, manager capability, and professional growth initiatives that align with Wingstop's culture, mission, and long-term business needs.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and facilitate engaging leadership and professional development programs across multiple levels (emerging leaders, new managers, experienced leaders).
• Partner with HR Business Partners and business leaders to identify capability gaps and deliver targeted solutions.
• Manage vendor relationships for external leadership programs, assessments, and facilitation partners.
• Deliver continued learning programs that enhance capabilities and support business goals tied to organizational competencies (e.g., New Leader Assimilation, assessments, coaching, lunch & learns).
• Create engaging learning activities and compelling content that enhances retention, supports onboarding and orientation, and builds out the talent pipeline.
• Facilitate training and development programs using a variety of methods (group discussions, activities, simulations, assessments, videos, and lectures).
• Translate business and talent priorities into learning programs that support Wingstop's growth.
• Support the implementation of organizational competencies and career development opportunities for team members, with a focus on onboarding, ongoing development, and career growth.
• Blend instructional design, facilitation, and digital learning methods to create scalable solutions.
• Manage program logistics, communications, and measurement to ensure smooth execution and meaningful participant experiences.
• Strengthen manager effectiveness through training, resources, and tools that drive accountability, feedback, coaching, and development.
• Train and coach leaders and others involved in team member development efforts.
• Partner with the Talent Development and HRBP teams to align leadership development with performance, engagement, and retention goals.
• Leverage AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT Enterprise) to enhance learning content, create resources, and improve participant experience.
• Recommend innovative technology solutions that improve scalability and impact of development programs.
• Define success measures and evaluate program impact, using data and feedback to drive iteration.
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices in leadership and professional development, bringing innovative ideas to Wingstop.

Requirements

• 5–7 years of experience in leadership development, organizational development, or learning & development, with a mix of design, facilitation, and program management.
• Proven ability to design and facilitate learning programs (both in-person and virtual), with curiosity and openness to expand into new methods and technologies.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while learning and adapting along the way.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills, with a growth mindset and willingness to seek feedback.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and HR Business Partners to align solutions with business needs — or a strong desire and capability to grow into this partnership space.
• Passion for leadership, growth, and Wingstop's mission to serve the world flavor, with an eagerness to bring fresh ideas and continuously improve.

Qualifications

• No job is too small. Recognize that the real work happens in the restaurants, and everything we do should support their success.
• Stay humble, roll up your sleeves, and always look for ways to help.
• Care deeply about doing great work and driving results.
• Be curious, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to improve.
• Bring solutions, ideas, and perspectives that move the team forward.
• Take full responsibility for your work and see things through to completion.
• Don’t just point out problems—bring solutions.
• Take action, move fast, and keep pushing forward.
• Lead with empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence.
• Collaborate effectively, fostering a culture of trust and constructive feedback.
• Understand the importance of teamwork and ensure that your actions build others up rather than break them down.
• Push yourself and others to be better.
• Absorb healthy conflict, knowing that great ideas and strong teams emerge from honest, constructive conversations.
• Believe that leaders create leaders and are committed to fostering a culture of growth, challenge, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• FLAVOR PERKS: Unlimited paid time off for exempt employees, One paid volunteer day of your choice, Competitive bonus structure for eligible roles, Team member stock purchase plan, Health savings or flexible spending account options, 401k – (dollar for dollar on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% for team member contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation), Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, Basic life and AD&D insurance provided, Pet insurance, Education Assistance, Wellness reimbursement program, Paid maternity and paternity leave, Fun Is The Best Flavor Lunch provided every Tuesday and Thursday in office, Discount on Wingstop gift cards, Onsite game room.

Schedule

Flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the position and the business.

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.