Director of Talent Development at Newport Restaurant Group

About the Role

At Newport Restaurant Group (NRG), we believe our people are our greatest recipe for success. As our next Director of Talent Development, you’ll be the driving force behind the growth, performance, and future of our teams. We currently have 17 Rhode Island and Massachusetts locations, and we’re growing!

This isn’t a behind-the-scenes position — it’s a strategic, operationally grounded role designed for a restaurant industry leader who understands what it takes to build, coach, and elevate teams that deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.

In this position, you’ll design and lead programs that cultivate leadership, strengthen succession planning, and elevate talent at every level of our organization. From developing innovative learning tools to partnering with operational leaders on growth pathways, you’ll shape the employee experience for over a thousand team members who make NRG’s family of restaurants thrive.

You’ll oversee a Training Manager and work closely with senior and executive leadership to ensure every development initiative aligns with business goals — keeping our people inspired, engaged, and ready for what’s next.

About You

You’re a restaurant operator at heart — someone who knows what excellence looks like on the floor and how to grow the people who make it happen. You’ve led teams, developed managers, and built programs that move the needle on performance and culture.

You balance creativity with data-driven strategy, using insights to build impactful, scalable learning programs. You’re passionate about seeing people succeed and know how to design training that actually works in a fast-paced, hospitality-driven environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $140,000–$170,000 /year
• Employee Ownership Opportunities
• Eligible for Bonus Program
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with FSA and HRA options
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) with an excellent company match
• 35% employee dining discount across all NRG locations
• Manager’s Dining Card
• Wholesale Club Membership reimbursement and PerkSpot discounts

Requirements to thrive in this role:

• Have 10+ years of Training & Development experience with an operational leadership foundation in restaurants.
• Are an exceptional communicator who can inspire, influence, and engage at all levels.
• Know how to translate business strategy into development programs that drive real results.
• Bring an innovative, forward-thinking approach to talent and leadership growth.
• Understand how to leverage data and technology to measure and enhance performance.
• Are a natural collaborator who builds strong, trust-based partnerships with leaders across the organization.

About Newport Restaurant Group: We are proud to be a 100% Employee-Owned Company. What does it mean to work for an 100% Employee-Owned Company? If you decide to join our team, you’ll not just be an employee — you’ll be eligible to become an owner in the company. Really, there’s no catch, we invest in our employees, and they in turn invest their time, energy and talents in our businesses! We have one of the strongest, friendliest hospitality staffs in New England. Our common goal is to make people happy through great food, great locations and great teamwork.

You’ll be part of a company that invests deeply in its people — from competitive benefits to ongoing career growth and a culture of belonging. Together, we’re shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders and ensuring that our legacy of excellence continues for decades to come.

Ready to help shape the future of hospitality at Newport Restaurant Group?
Join us and lead the charge in building a culture where every team member can thrive, grow, and take ownership of their success.

Apply now to make your mark as our next Director of Talent Development.