Manager, Training and Development

Training and Development Manager (Food Service Operations)

Join Team Bento and be a part of our group of companies which operates more than 12000 locations globally. With operations across Canada and United States, Bento brings together a dynamic team of people with diverse backgrounds, experience, and talent, to create an exceptional guest experience.

Location and hours

• Head Office - 25 Sims Crescent, Unit 1, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1C9

Responsibilities

As Bento continues to grow its training capabilities and operations, we are seeking a dedicated Training Manager to lead our Training & Innovation Centre while strengthening and aligning our training systems across all channels.

This role plays a vital part in ensuring brand consistency, product quality, and operational efficiency through structured, standardized, and scalable training programs.

While this position primarily focuses on the Training & Innovation Centre, the Training Manager will also play an essential role in supporting Onsite training initiatives and Commissary operations. The goal of this role is to bridge the Training Centre, Onsite, and Commissary programs to ensure consistency, alignment, and collaboration. By doing so, this position will help build a unified training foundation that supports Bento’s ongoing growth and operational excellence.

• Take full ownership of assigned training initiatives end to end, independently leading travel-intensive or time-sensitive projects, including new store openings and product launches, as business needs arise.
• Work directly with the Director of Training & Development to standardize and align training systems across the Training Centre, Onsite, and Commissary operations.
• Partner cross-functionally with all departments to ensure training content reflects current standards in food safety, quality assurance, and production best practices.
• Support the rollout of new products by ensuring operational readiness and training consistency across all business channels.
• Develop and manage a Train‑the‑Trainer program to identify and develop in‑house trainers across the Training Centre, Commissary, and Onsite channels.
• Collaborate with regional managers to integrate the Train‑the‑Trainer program into broader team development plans.
• Coach and mentor in‑house trainers on facilitation skills to ensure effective and consistent training delivery.
• Conduct regular field visits to evaluate the training capabilities of in‑house trainers and provide ongoing feedback for continuous improvement.
• Plan, lead, and deliver hands‑on training sessions, including sushi‑making, food preparation, and presentation techniques, in partnership with the Training Specialist and other department leads.
• Create practical, easy‑to‑use training resources such as guides, checklists, manuals, and micro‑learning modules.
• Lead and operate Bento’s Training & Innovation Centre, ensuring it runs smoothly day to day and consistently reflects Bento’s operational and food safety standards.
• Manage the day‑to‑day operations of the Training & Innovation Centre, including inventory management, monthly stock counts, ordering and replenishment, and related administration.
• Track and maintain certification records and training history for all in‑house trainers to ensure compliance with company standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in sushi culinary, food manufacturing, food service, or franchise operations (training and development experience preferred).
• Post‑secondary education and/or completion of a culinary program, along with related food‑service experience, is an asset.
• Strong, demonstrated sushi‑making and food‑preparation skills, with the ability to teach and coach techniques to others.
• Proven ability to plan, design, and deliver effective hands‑on training in fast‑paced operational environments.
• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of initiatives, with the ability to lead projects from start to finish.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including comfort with inventory, ordering, and administrative responsibilities.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and adaptability in a fast‑changing environment.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills (written and verbal); French and/or Asian language skills are an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with e‑learning or video training tools (Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop) is an asset.
• Working toward or holding Food Handler Certification.
• Reliable access to a car and a valid driver’s license.
• Travel within Canada and the U.S. and work flexible hours — including evenings, weekends, and unplanned or extended schedules — to support training across multiple locations as business needs require.
• A positive, collaborative attitude and an eagerness to learn, grow, and take initiative.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to work in cold or refrigerated environments when required for training purposes.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during training sessions and Centre operations.
• Ability to lift and handle moderately heavy items (e.g., ingredients, equipment, supplies).
• Safe and confident handling of knives and kitchen equipment.
• Flexibility for evening, weekend, and travel‑based work as business needs arise.

Why you should join our team:

• Power of Collaboration: Live our core values - "Own it", "Care about it", "Make it exceptional", and "Win together" - as we work together to create better food for everyone, the Japanese way.
• Competitive Rewards: Upon meeting eligibility criteria reap the benefits of a comprehensive compensation package with a bonus plan, group health benefits, and retirement plans that recognize your outstanding contribution.
• Ignite Your Potential: Fuel your growth with extensive training and opportunities for career advancement, empowering you to unleash your full potential.
• Champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion thrive, empowering every voice to be heard and celebrated through meaningful initiatives and programs.
• Drive Sustainable Impact: As part of our dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, we actively promote sustainable practices and initiatives to create a positive impact on our environment and communities.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates elected for an interview will be contacted. Special consideration will be given to applicants with previous experience working as a; Training Manager, Operations Training Manager, Training and Compliance Manager, Corporate Trainer.

We are committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.