Leadership and Professional Development Manager

WHO WE ARE

We’re not in the wing business. We’re in the flavor business. It’s been our mission to Serve the World Flavor since we first opened in 1994, and we’re just getting started. 1997 saw the opening of our first brand partner operated Wingstop location, and by 2002 we had served the world one billion wings. It’s flavor that defines us and has made Wingstop one of the fastest growing brands in the restaurant industry.

Above all else – our success is largely due to our people and our core values, or what we call The Wingstop Way of being entrepreneurial, service-minded, fun, and authentic. We believe having a strong people foundation centered on these collective values creates a crave-worthy culture and talented team, as well as ensures our brand is poised for accelerated growth. We all win together.

WHAT WE’LL NEED

The Manager, Leadership & Professional Development plays a critical role in building programs and experiences that help our leaders and team members thrive. This role designs, delivers, and scales leadership development, manager capability, and professional growth initiatives that align with Wingstop’s culture, mission, and long-term business needs.

What you’ll do

Program Design & Delivery

• Design, implement, and facilitate engaging leadership and professional development programs across multiple levels (emerging leaders, new managers, experienced leaders).

• Partner with HR Business Partners and business leaders to identify capability gaps and deliver targeted solutions.

• Manage vendor relationships for external leadership programs, assessments, and facilitation partners.

• Deliver continued learning programs that enhance capabilities and support business goals tied to organizational competencies (e.g., New Leader Assimilation, assessments, coaching, lunch & learns).

• Create engaging learning activities and compelling content that enhances retention, supports onboarding and orientation, and builds out the talent pipeline.

• Facilitate training and development programs using a variety of methods (group discussions, activities, simulations, assessments, videos, and lectures).

Learning Strategy & Execution

• Translate business and talent priorities into learning programs that support Wingstop’s growth.

• Support the implementation of organizational competencies and career development opportunities for team members, with a focus on onboarding, ongoing development, and career growth.

• Blend instructional design, facilitation, and digital learning methods to create scalable solutions.

• Manage program logistics, communications, and measurement to ensure smooth execution and meaningful participant experiences.

Leadership Capability Building

• Strengthen manager effectiveness through training, resources, and tools that drive accountability, feedback, coaching, and development.

• Train and coach leaders and others involved in team member development efforts.

• Partner with the Talent Development and HRBP teams to align leadership development with performance, engagement, and retention goals.

AI & Technology Integration

• Leverage AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT Enterprise) to enhance learning content, create resources, and improve participant experience.

• Recommend innovative technology solutions that improve scalability and impact of development programs.

Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Define success measures and evaluate program impact, using data and feedback to drive iteration.

• Stay current on industry trends and best practices in leadership and professional development, bringing innovative ideas to Wingstop.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• 5–7 years of experience in leadership development, organizational development, or learning & development, with a mix of design, facilitation, and program management.

• Proven ability to design and facilitate learning programs (both in-person and virtual), with curiosity and openness to expand into new methods and technologies.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while learning and adapting along the way.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills, with a growth mindset and willingness to seek feedback.

• Experience partnering with senior leaders and HR Business Partners to align solutions with business needs — or a strong desire and capability to grow into this partnership space.

• Passion for leadership, growth, and Wingstop’s mission to serve the world flavor, with an eagerness to bring fresh ideas and continuously improve.

WHO YOU ARE 

No job is too small. You recognize that the real work happens in the restaurants, and everything we do should support their success. You stay humble, roll up your sleeves, and always look for ways to help. You learn from others and contribute wherever you can.

You care deeply about doing great work and driving results. You’re curious, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to improve. You don’t just point out problems—you bring solutions, ideas, and perspectives that move the team forward.

You take full responsibility for your work and see things through to completion. You aren’t afraid to fail because you know that failure is a part of learning and growth. You take action, move fast, and keep pushing forward.

You lead with empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence. You collaborate effectively, fostering a culture of trust and constructive feedback. You understand the importance of teamwork and ensure that your actions build others up rather than break them down.

You push yourself and others to be better. You embrace healthy conflict, knowing that great ideas and strong teams emerge from honest, constructive conversations. You believe that leaders create leaders and are committed to fostering a culture of growth, challenge, and continuous improvement.

BENEFITS

FLAVOR PERKS:

• Unlimited paid time off for exempt employees

• One paid volunteer day of your choice

• Competitive bonus structure for eligible roles

• Team member stock purchase plan

• Health savings or flexible spending account options

• 401k – (dollar for dollar on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% for team member contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation)

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

• Basic life and AD&D insurance provided

• Pet insurance

• Education Assistance

• Wellness reimbursement program

• Paid maternity and paternity leave

FUN IS THE BEST FLAVOR:

• Lunch provided every Tuesday and Thursday in office

• Discount on Wingstop gift cards

• Onsite game room

Wingstop provides equal opportunities for everyone that works for us and everyone that applies to join our team, without regard to sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, any service, past, present, or future, in the uniformed services of the United States (military or veteran status), or any other consideration protected by federal, state, or local law.