Area Manager

Area Manager

The Area Manager plays a critical role in driving operational excellence, team development, and Core 5 execution across multiple locations within a designated region. Reporting to the Senior Operations Manager and overseeing General Managers and Supervisors, this role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership. The Area Manager regularly travels between stores to support location performance, coach on brand standards, and ensure consistency in guest experience, team culture, and operational execution. This is a high-impact role for a people-first leader passionate about scaling success and bringing out the best in every team and store.

Operational Execution & Consistency

· Lead and manage a team of Operations Managers and Supervisors across multiple restaurant locations within the region.

· Ensure consistent implementation of operational standards, brand practices, and customer experience expectations.

· Drive operational readiness for product launches, promotional campaigns, and new store openings.

· Act as the key field liaison for communication, feedback, and troubleshooting.

· Conduct the monthly General Management meeting to update, coach and train on new processes and procedures.

· Oversee facility upkeep, including scheduling repairs, coordinating vendors, and maintaining cleanliness standard.

· Assist with issues POS / Printers / ADT alarm / Health Inspection / Zenput

· Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Wisetail

· Ensure that the restaurant technology infrastructure is optimized for operational efficiency, team effectiveness, and guest experience.

· Provide strategy for digital applications, including kiosks, web ordering, and our mobile app

Performance & Financial Accountability

· Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the efficiency, productivity, and quality of operations.

· Identify performance gaps and implement action plans for improvement.

· Support budget management, inventory control, and cost optimization strategies.

· Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process enhancements, streamline workflows, and ensure optimal resource allocation.

· Monitor inventory levels and ensure accurate stock management across locations.

· Identify opportunities for cost reduction and revenue growth within the region.

· Address operational challenges and implement solutions in a timely and effective manner.

· Provide regular reports to senior management on regional performance, challenges, and opportunities.

· Assess location performance specific to established Core 5 standards, identify gaps, and collaborate with teams to drive continuous improvement and consistency across locations (Core 5 areas include customer service, product quality, operational excellence, employer branding, and employee training & development).

· Ensure consistent adherence to Core 5, and company policies, procedures, and operational guidelines across all locations.

· Develop and execute additional operational strategies that align with company goals and Core 5 standards that drive continuous improvement.

· Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and performance excellence within the regional operations team.

· Conduct weekly onsite visits 3-4 times a week.

Cross-Functional Partnership

· Collaborate with departments including Marketing, Training, Finance, and HR to ensure successful execution of initiatives in the field.

· Communicate feedback and field insights to corporate leadership to inform decision-making and innovation.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

· Communicates effectively across verbal, written, and interpersonal channels to convey information clearly, collaborate with others, and support team alignment

· Ability to lead teams and foster collaboration

· Skilled in cross-functional communication and relationship-building

· Organized and detail-focused with task and time management, and in meeting deadlines

· Proficient in budgeting, financial oversight, quality, and cost control

· Ability to interpret data to support strategic decision-making

Requirements

Qualifications:

· High school diploma or equivalent required

· Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred

· A minimum of 3-5 years of operations management experience, coffee/tea beverage and/or hospitality industry preferred

· Previous experience managing a team of direct reports required

· Proven track record of managing complex operations in multiple locations or areas

· Willingness to travel up to 75% within the assigned area

Physical Requirements:

· Prolonged periods of standing may be required

· Ability to work in varied environmental conditions, including exposure to hot and cold temperatures

Additional Information

· La La Land offers competitive salaries, bonuses, medical/dental/vision insurance, prescription drug coverage, 401(k) plan (after 12 months of employment), sick pay, PTO and holiday pay, profit sharing plan (after 90 days of employment), annual food & beverage allowance (prorated for hire date), and company discounts of 30%.

A job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

All candidate information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Salary Description starting at $90,000 (based on experience)