Director of Training - 7 BREW

Company Background

Cotti Coffee, LLC is a growing franchisee of 7 Brew Coffee, bringing an energetic, fast-paced drive-thru beverage experience to communities throughout California. We believe our people are the foundation of our success and are committed to developing exceptional teams, cultivating kindness, creating meaningful connections, and delivering outstanding guest experiences. As we expand throughout California, we are building a strong operational and training infrastructure that supports our people, honors the 7 Brew brand, builds the Cotti Coffee culture, and ensures consistency across every stand.

Job Summary

The Director of Training is responsible for building and overseeing Cotti Coffee's training department, including the development and management of the Baller (Certified Trainer) program, through which Ballers, Shift Leads and Stand Managers earn trainer certification. This position executes 7 Brew brand standards and builds and maintains Cotti Coffee's own training, certification and leadership development programs, ensuring team members are properly trained, certified, and equipped to deliver consistent operations and guest experiences. 

Working closely with the Director of New Stand Openings (NSO), the Director of Training will lead Baller team development, scheduling, and deployment to support successful stand openings throughout California. The role also leads the Field Operations & Training team and oversees training compliance, performance development, and ongoing training consistency across operating stands. 

As Cotti Coffee grows, this role will help shape future leadership and field roles and build the training programs that support them. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring strong operational expertise, organizational skills, and a passion for developing people in a rapidly growing organization.

Field-based position requiring frequent travel throughout California. Must reside in or relocate to Southern California upon hire.

 Key Responsibilities

 Training Program Management & Development

• Build, implement, and oversee standardized training programs for Brewistas, Ballers, Shift Leads, Stand Managers, and District Managers, built on 7 Brew brand standards and Cotti Coffee's own training workbooks, certification program, and leadership standards.
• Design and expand training curriculum, workbooks and certification paths for new roles as the organization grows, partnering with Operations and HR to define the training, readiness standards and promotion requirements for each new position.
• Own Cotti Coffee's manager-in-training and leadership development programs, including standard and accelerated tracks for internal promotions, and readiness for Field Operations & Training Manager and NSO Manager roles.
• Establish training schedules, certification requirements, assessments, and accountability measures to ensure team member proficiency.
• Partner with HR to maintain training, certification, and promotion records in in Paylocity, and ensure required training meets California food safety and labor compliance requirements, such as food handler certification.
• Use Teamworx and Genius data to track training hours and readiness against certification requirements, and maintain training materials on Brew Hub.
• Monitor training performance, maintain accurate records, and provide regular reporting to leadership.
• Implement training updates, new procedures, and operational directives communicated by 7 Brew Corporate, and update Cotti Coffee training materials to match.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and partner with Operations leadership to address performance gaps and improve execution.

Baller Program Leadership & Oversight

• Build and manage Cotti Coffee's Baller (Certified Trainer) program, including selection, certification, coaching, performance management, and ongoing development.
• Identify and develop qualified team members to maintain a strong pipeline of Ballers.
• Maintain an accurate roster of qualified Ballers, including availability, certification status, and deployment readiness.
• Conduct field observations and performance evaluations to ensure Ballers consistently meet operational, training, and cultural expectations.
• Hold Baller teams accountable for training quality, professionalism, and the successful development of new team members.

New Stand Opening Training & Baller Deployment

• Partner with the Director of NSO to develop and execute training plans aligned with new stand opening timelines.
• Own Baller scheduling, staffing assignments, travel logistics, and deployment for all new stand openings.
• Coordinate Baller coverage for stand setup, Drink Drops, Caffeine for a Cause (CFAC), rotational training, Friends & Family events, and other pre-opening activities.
• Maintain a master deployment calendar and forecast staffing requirements to support simultaneous openings and changing development schedules.
• Ensure new stand team members complete required training and proficiency assessments prior to opening.
• Provide training readiness updates, on-site leadership support, and post-opening assessments to identify and address training deficiencies.

Stand Training & Operational Excellence

• Maintain hands-on proficiency in Brewista, Shift Lead, and Stand Manager responsibilities through regular time working in operating stands.
• Evaluate stand-level training execution to ensure consistency with 7 Brew recipes, procedures, service standards, guest experience expectations, and Cotti Coffee standards.
• Coach Stand Managers and field leadership on employee development, training accountability, and performance improvement.
• Identify recurring training deficiencies and implement corrective training initiatives.
• Support the implementation of new products, equipment, systems, and operational procedures.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and exceptional guest experiences.

Leadership Development & Team Management

• Lead and develop Field Operations & Training Managers, who report directly to the Director of Training and maintain a collaborative working relationship with Operations leadership. Certify them to lead the Baller program, audit stands and support training in their districts.
• Lead, coach, and develop Ballers and assigned training personnel.
• Identify high-potential employees and establish development opportunities to support future training and operational leadership needs.
• Provide ongoing feedback, performance evaluations, and individualized coaching to strengthen team capabilities.
• Foster a positive, supportive, and accountable training environment that reflects 7 Brew's brand and Cotti Coffee's culture and values.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Resource Planning

• Collaborate with Human Resources, Recruiting, NSO, and Operations to align hiring, onboarding, training, and staffing requirements.
• Manage training labor, travel, lodging, and related expenses within established budgets.
• Oversee training projects, priorities, and deadlines to ensure effective execution across the organization.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in restaurant operations, training, or multi-unit leadership, including experience leading and developing teams.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute training programs in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong understanding of quick-service restaurant operations, guest experience, and operational standards.
• Proven experience coaching, developing, and holding team members accountable.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including managing multiple schedules, priorities, and deadlines.
• Experience coordinating staffing or resource allocation across multiple locations.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to manage training tracking, HR, timekeeping, and project management systems.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout California.
• Must reside in California or be willing to relocate to California upon commencement of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with 7 Brew operations and training programs.
• Experience managing certified trainer or train-the-trainer programs.
• Experience supporting multiple new restaurant openings or rapidly growing multi-unit operations.
• Familiarity with learning management systems, certification tracking, and workforce scheduling platforms, such as Paylocity and Teamworx.
• Experience managing training budgets and field training resources.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This is a field-based position requiring regular on-site presence at operating stands and new stand opening locations throughout California.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of Brewista, Shift Lead, and Stand Manager positions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced stand environment, including prolonged standing, outdoor work in varying weather conditions, and safely operating beverage equipment.
• Ability to demonstrate operational procedures and work during peak business periods.
• Ability to travel frequently and maintain a flexible schedule based on operational and training needs.