Training Specialist (Harwood Hospitality Group)

Company Overview

Harwood Hospitality Group is the innovative team behind the most immersive dining and nightlife experiences in the 19-city block Harwood District in Dallas, Texas. With more than 10 operating bars, restaurants, and cafes, HHG continues to expand its portfolio with exciting new concepts and a boutique luxury hotel.

Harwood Hospitality Group delivers an escape from the ordinary through a growing collection of hospitality experiences in the Harwood District of Dallas. Our mission is to allow both our associates and our guests to Escape the Ordinary . For our associates, this means being a part of a long-term vision driven by creativity, passion, and style. For our guests, it means being transported to different parts of the world without leaving the comforts of their own city. We deliver our mission through unparalleled hospitality, exceptional service, and culinary excellence that creates unforgettable experiences and lasting loyalty.

Summary

The Training Specialist is responsible for supporting the training and development of all hourly front of house (FOH) employees while assisting with onboarding, compliance training, and maintaining training systems and materials. This role partners closely with restaurant leadership, Human Resources and the Training team to ensure consistency in service standards, operational procedures, and employee development across all concepts.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, passionate about hospitality, and enjoys coaching and developing others in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Responsibilities

• Model and promote teamwork, professionalism, and Harwood Hospitality Group standards across all teams
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude
• Support restaurant leadership and the Learning & Development team with onboarding, training, and development of hourly employees
• Facilitate new hire onboarding and orientation for incoming employees
• Assist with training execution for FOH hourly team members, including service standards, menu knowledge, POS systems, and operational procedures
• Support ongoing education through tastings, informational sessions, and hands-on coaching
• Assist with maintaining and updating training materials, guides, and reference documents
• Support compliance initiatives including food handler certifications, alcohol awareness training, safety training, and sanitation procedures
• Observe employee performance and provide coaching and feedback to support development and consistency
• Communicate training opportunities, operational observations, and employee progress with restaurant leadership
• Use tact and professionalism when interacting with guests, vendors, and employees
• Assist with maintaining operational standards and communicating repair or maintenance concerns to management
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Follow all rules and conditions of employment outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Essential Functions

• Support and facilitate hourly employee training programs, including orientation, initial training, refresher training, and ongoing development
• Assist in maintaining and organizing training systems and materials for FOH hourly teams
• Work closely with managers and trainers to ensure consistency in training execution across concepts
• Attend meetings, trainings, and informational seminars as required
• Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills with employees at all levels
• Maintain flexibility to work a variety of shifts including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Safely and effectively operate restaurant equipment, tools, and software systems
• Ability to multitask and remain calm in a fast-paced hospitality environment
• Work in environments with variable noise, lighting, temperature, and crowded conditions
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time and move safely throughout all areas of the restaurant
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds

Preferred Education & Experience

• At least 2 years of restaurant, hospitality, training, or supervisory experience preferred
• Passion for employee development, hospitality, and operational excellence
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Experience working in high-volume hospitality environments preferred
• Ability to coach and motivate employees in a positive and professional manner
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Canva and/or restaurant management systems preferred