Learning & Development Partner

Job Overview

The Learning & Development Partner balances Learning Management System (LMS) administration with instructional design and content development, ensuring that learning experiences are well-designed, accessible, data-informed, and aligned with business goals for Operations and Restaurant Support Center teams. This role requires both technical proficiency and creative design expertise, as well as a continuous‑improvement mindset grounded in learning analytics and learner feedback.

• Conducts testing of new LMS products, features, and functionality to ensure compatibility with Darden systems. Provides communication of LMS product updates including impacts to Brand Learning Teams.
• Supports Brand Training Teams with ongoing LMS functionality support. This includes creation of Instructor Lead Training (ILT) assignments, NRO training and compliance fulfillments, training evaluation assignment, training assignment to specific brand audiences.
• Leads the initial training and ongoing development of new and existing LMS Administrators; defines roles and responsibilities.
• Responsible for the management and resolution of Service Desk tickets for LMS including applicable reporting. Develops and maintains Service Desk reference materials.

• Establishes and maintains cooperative, productive working relationships with cross‑functional teams, including Brand Training, RSC HR, IT, Operations Excellence, Compliance, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure content accuracy.
• Consults with operations partners to ensure training deliverables are simple, aligned and integrated with operations.
• Provides support to Brand Training team and RSC with the development and assignment of learning solutions (classroom training, self‑paced learning, eLearning, blended learning solutions, print etc.).
• Responsible for content maintenance, curriculum set-up, and assignment of all Darden Compliance activities including Annual Recommitment support.
• Manages project timelines and resources (people, materials, time) to ensure deliverables are completed in scope and on schedule.
• Fosters relationships with vendor partners to deliver high quality and cost‑effective learning solutions.

• Conducts accurate needs analysis to determine effective strategies to address training needs and skill gaps.
• Develops effective evaluation tools; communicates the impact of learning solutions.
• Designs and maintains graphically engaging training materials including PowerPoint presentations, activities, handouts, job aids, and e‑learning modules.
• Develops learning activities that enhance knowledge retention.
• Ensure training materials are accurate and aligned with Darden's business strategies/priorities.
• KrowD content editor for the “Nourish to Flourish” learning page including updates to content, recommending curated training (Skill Soft or Biz Learn), troubleshooting, and ongoing site maintenance.
• Proactively stays abreast of learning and development trends and best practices.

• Learning Management System experience is a must.
• 3-5 instructional design, training, or related experience.
• Experience with eLearning and web‑based technologies; their capabilities and best instructional uses.
• Experience developing eLearning using Articulate and other authoring tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; advanced writing skills supporting multiple mediums (Job aids; eLearning; KrowD content, etc.).
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• KrowD editor experience for ongoing maintenance.
• Working knowledge of restaurant operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, education/educational technology, human resources, or business.

• Additional human resources experience (e.g., employee relations, training, operations excellence, People Soft, etc.).

• Excellent analysis, problem solving and decision‑making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver multiple projects on time and within budget.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with all levels in the organization.
• Detail‑oriented and extremely organized, with proven ability to establish priorities and achieve results.
• Ability to think creatively; seek innovative solutions and use change as a positive and motivating factor.