Area Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Area Manager to oversee a portfolio of seven premium coffee, tea, and bakery café locations throughout the Chicago market. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, financial performance, guest satisfaction, and team development across multiple sites.

The ideal candidate is a hospitality leader with strong multi-unit management experience who thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences through premium food and beverage offerings.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations across seven café locations.
• Ensure consistent execution of company standards, service expectations, and brand presentation.
• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and operational reviews.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service quality, and profitability.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing café managers and teams.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, engagement, and hospitality.
• Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives.

Financial Management

• Drive revenue growth while managing labor, food, and operating costs.
• Monitor P&L performance for each location.
• Analyze key business metrics and implement action plans to improve results.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.

Guest Experience

• Ensure delivery of exceptional hospitality and customer service.
• Resolve guest concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain premium standards for food quality, beverage execution, cleanliness, and presentation.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, health regulations, and food safety requirements.
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment.
• Conduct routine inspections and corrective action planning.

Client & Stakeholder Partnership

• Build strong relationships with site leadership and key stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison for assigned locations.
• Communicate effectively with corporate leadership regarding performance, opportunities, and risks.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of multi-unit management experience in hospitality, foodservice, cafés, bakeries, coffee shops, or retail food environments.
• Proven experience leading multiple locations and teams.
• Strong financial acumen and P&L management experience.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout the Chicago market.

Preferred

• Experience with premium coffee, specialty beverage, bakery, or café concepts.
• Background in contract dining, hospitality services, or upscale retail food operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field.

Key Competencies

• Multi-Unit Operations Management
• Leadership & Team Development
• Financial Performance Management
• Client Relationship Management
• Customer Experience Excellence
• Operational Execution
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Change Management