Who We Are: 

Founded in Detroit in 1989, Continental has grown into a leader in food service and hospitality across the Great Lakes region. We begin with the most talented team in the business. Then source only the highest-quality ingredients. And top off our imaginative offerings with attentive personal service. 

Backed by a tireless commitment to quality, innovative culinary offerings and unparalleled client and guest services, Continental consistently ranks among the top contract dining and refreshment providers in the nation according to Food Management Magazine.

Continental serves its guests at corporate cafés, events, and many other places. If you like to be part of a focused team that makes a difference, delighting guests every meal, every day, then we’re looking for you.

What Impact You Will Make

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a company-wide L&D strategy that supports organizational goals and the unique needs of both front line team members and leadership.
• Develop and execute a Leadership Development strategy focused on leveraging online content, 3rd part leadership development partners, and assessment tools to actively develop team members in key roles, and ensure people leaders are set up for success.  
• Develop a Career Mobility Strategy, in partnership with Talent Acquisition. This program empowers team members to take control of their careers and growth, and promotes talent sharing throughout the organization.  
• Coordinate and develop leadership coaching, mentoring programs.
• Support Succession Planning initiatives in partnership with Talent Management Team.
• Champion a culture of continuous learning and career growth at all levels of the organization.
• Develop and implement a sustainable onboarding and orientation process for both front line team members and leadership to ensure new team members feel well connected to the organization, and have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.   

Program Development & Delivery

• Design, implement, and oversee blended learning solutions, including instructor-led, on-the-job, e-learning, and microlearning programs.
• Develop targeted training for front-line team members (e.g., technical skills, safety, compliance) and people leaders (e.g., leadership, soft skills).
• Maintain and update current library of Manager and People Leader Training.
• Introduce scalable training solutions that accommodate multiple shifts, job functions, different technology skills, and learning styles.
• Refresh and launch leadership competency framework aligned with organizational strategy. 
• Partner with HR and operational leaders to design upskilling initiatives that align with workforce needs.
• Implement career coaching resources and tools to empower team member development.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the evaluation of training effectiveness using metrics, feedback, and performance outcomes.
• Ensure all training programs meet relevant compliance, licensing, and safety standards.
• Manage L&D budget and vendor relationships.
• Utilize learning management systems (LMS) to track participation, completion, and impact.

Team Leadership

• Grow, Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing L&D team.
• Foster collaboration with operations leaders, Human Resources, Risk Management and other stakeholders.
• Influence Executive Leadership and other key leaders throughout the business for alignment on Learning & Development initiatives and priorities.
• Serve as a visible leader in promoting workforce development initiatives.

Who You Are 

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience influencing Executive Leadership and creating alignment on L&D Strategy and organizational priorities.  
• Experience designing and delivering training for both front-line and professional populations.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design, and modern learning technologies.
• Experience with LMS administration and reporting.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical skills to measure program impact and ROI.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of safety and compliance training requirements.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution skills.
• Travel Requirements
  • Willing and able to travel 30%+ in Southeast Michigan, Ohio, Western New York and Indiana, based on business needs.
  • This is a hybrid position, based in Troy, Michigan.

The duties of this position may change from time to time.  Continental reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Continental or its managers.  This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed.  It’s not intended to be all inclusive.  

About Continental Services

The Great Lakes Food & Beverage Leader

Founded in 1989, Continental has grown from an office coffee and vending specialist to consistently ranking as one of the top events and contract dining and refreshment providers in the nation.

Guided by industry leaders and powered by the largest collection of culinary talent in the Midwest, our award-winning team has a tireless commitment to high quality, innovative culinary offerings and unparalleled client and guest services.

Our singular mission is to delight our guests, every meal, every day.

It’s no secret that food brings us together. A cup of coffee is a chance to meet someone new. A meal is an opportunity to collaborate. At Continental, developing experiences that connect people is at the heart of everything we do. 

Discover first-hand the passion of a full-service team committed to your vision and customizing services to support it.

Micro-Markets • Food Delivery • Full-Service Dining • Innovative Vending • Office Coffee & Water • Pantry Services • Barista Bars • Catering • Premier Events

Looking to grow your career on your terms? Get to know us more.

We Are Curious.

Bold, original thinking, and an innate curiosity for what’s new and next drives us to shake things up and create remarkable experiences.

We Dream Big.

We embrace the unknown and adventures big and small, individually and collectively. By being proactive and continuously striving for more, we continue to grow personally and professionally. And we’re not afraid to dig into a challenge.

We Champion Each Other.

Collaboration, teamwork, and trust aren’t just buzzwords to us—they truly define our culture. 

We do more than just dish up great meals. Continental creates memorable experiences every day at our markets, corporate cafés, premier events and more. If hospitality is in your DNA, if you’re passionate about making difference, if you’re eager to roll up your sleeves and be part of a team, we’re looking for you.