Director of Operations (DO)

Job Description

Job Description

At Smashburger, we don’t just make burgers—we create crave-worthy moments that keep guests coming back for more. We’re driven by a shared commitment to excellence, working as one team and taking bold action to deliver unforgettable experiences. Here, you’ll be part of a group that works hard and genuinely cares—where passion and dedication matter just as much as skill. At Smashburger, we live by our values:

  Taste Obsessed – Bring flavor into every shift 

Premium Experience – Lead Boldly. Deliver Flawlessly 

Stay Hungry – Literally & Figuratively 

One Team! One Smash!– Smash Together 

Do What’s Right – Act with honesty and consistency. 

 

If this sounds like your kind of place, we’d love to have you on the team! 

The Role:

The Director of Operations leads multi-unit restaurant performance across assigned markets, driving sales, guest satisfaction, and team development. This role partners closely with restaurant leadership to ensure consistent execution of brand standards and operational excellence.

What You’ll Do:

• Oversee 6–10 restaurant locations (primarily corporate; some franchise exposure)
• Lead, coach, and develop RGMs, RMs, and Supervisors to achieve sales, labor, and operational goals
• Conduct regular in-market visits (4–6 days/week) to drive performance and accountability
• Improve guest experience metrics (NPS, OSAT) and resolve guest concerns within 24 hours
• Analyze financial performance (sales, labor, costs) and implement improvement plans
• Review schedules, staffing, and inventory to optimize efficiency
• Build talent pipelines through hiring, development, and succession planning
• Ensure completion of training programs and adherence to company standards
• Maintain compliance with food safety, operational, and regulatory requirements
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Recruiting, Training, and Marketing
• Execute local store marketing initiatives to drive traffic and sales

What You Bring to The Table:

• 5+ years of multi-unit restaurant leadership experience
• Proven ability to drive sales, develop teams, and improve operations
• Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills
• Solid financial and operational acumen
• Highly organized, self-directed, and results-driven
• Based in Arizona with ability to drive to the locations in the specified market
• Valid driver’s license; 80–85% travel within market
• Availability for nights, weekends, and on-call support as needed
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Completion of company training program required

Why You’ll Love it Here:

· High-Impact Role: Your leadership will shape the future of Smashburger and drive our success.

· Culture of Growth: We believe in leveling up—for our guests, our team, and ourselves.

· Work with Passionate People: Our team is all-in, committed to excellence, and ready to smash barriers together.

· Competitive Compensation & Perks: Because we value top talent who bring their A-game every day.

· Better Benefits: Build a better experience for you!

The Company is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity and to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants, prospective applicants or employees on the basis of any legally recognized basis including but not limited to: race (inclusive of traits associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles), sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical condition), color, religious creed, marital status, national origin or ancestry, age, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, status as a victim of crime or abuse, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, provincial or local law. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including supervisors and coworkers.  

 

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