Director of Operations

COMPANY:
Privately held, national, multi-brand operator of quick service restaurant (QSR) locations.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:
This position will report directly to the Vice President of Operations and will directly supervise one to two District Leaders.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:
The individual who occupies this position will be accountable for leading and directing restaurant operations across approximately 10-20 locations within a defined territory. This role is responsible for coaching, developing, and guiding District Leaders and General Managers to achieve operational excellence in alignment with company goals and core values. The position focuses on driving guest satisfaction, fostering talent development, and ensuring adherence to operational standards, policies, and procedures.

Specific duties will include, but not necessarily be limited to:

Provide energetic leadershipfor District Leaders, General Managers, and team members that aligns with company values and expectations.
Ensure all restaurants are well staffedwith “A” Players through strategic recruiting, development, and retention practices.
Partner with the Marketing and Catering teamsto drive positive comp sales through local store marketing, catering, and other promotional initiatives in support of sales growth and execution of the strategic plan.
Coach District Leaders and General Managers on P&L performance; provide guidance and corrective action on labor, food, waste, and inventory control to meet food and labor cost standards.
Lead the development of District Leaders and General Managers, ensuring they are equipped to support the strategic plan and build a strong leadership pipeline.
Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety protocols, brand standards, cash handling procedures, facility maintenance, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Identify, develop, and maintain certified training units and training managers within the territory.
Champion internal and external talent development efforts, fostering succession planning and long-term bench strength across the district.
Partner with the HR Business Partner to resolve employee relations matters promptly, fairly, and in accordance with company policy and employment laws.
Promote, model, and reinforce the company’s core valuesacross all restaurants in the district, ensuring consistent behaviors that align with company culture and service excellence.
Complete all required administrative tasks, reports, and communications accurately and in a timely manner.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum of five years of restaurant or retail management experience with multiunit leadership or franchise consultant exposure (preferred).
Proven experience in team development, performance management, and operational leadership.
Demonstrated success in creating a high-performing culture that reflects the core values – focused on people, operations, communication, and growth.
Strong leadership and team motivation capabilities in alignment with core values.
Sound financial and business acumen.
Effective consultative and coaching abilities that drive individual and team performance.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to develop actionable plans and drive results across multiple locations.
Skilled in interpreting and applying data to guide decision-making.
Ability to build trust and credibility with internal teams, franchisees, and external stakeholders.
Consistently model behaviors and decisions that reflect the company’s core values and commitment to excellence, accountability, and hospitality.
In-depth understanding of restaurant operations, including staffing, scheduling, guest service, and systems compliance.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a balance of strategic and operational execution.
Creative and innovative problem-solving approach that fosters continuous improvement and supports core values and culture.
Exercise decision-making authority within established policy guidelines; escalate exceptions as appropriate.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred; minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required.

COMPENSATION:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and includes a competitive base salary, performance-based bonus opportunity, and benefits package.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Gregory Lynn Tennent, Consultant
gltennent@CLCBsearch.com
704.377.0362