Director of Operations - QSR

We are seeking an experienced, results-driven Director of Operations to oversee the performance, profitability, and continued growth of a multi-unit quick service restaurant organization.

This individual will be responsible for driving operational excellence across multiple locations, developing high-performing leadership teams, improving financial performance, and ensuring a consistent guest experience.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operator who understands the complexities of running a high-volume, multi-unit restaurant business. We are looking for someone who can balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution, hold teams accountable, and create a culture focused on people, performance, and results.

Key Responsibilities

Multi-Unit Operations & Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple QSR locations, ensuring consistent execution of operational standards, brand expectations, and company objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop District Managers, Area Directors, General Managers, and other field leadership personnel.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures throughout the organization.
• Conduct regular restaurant visits to evaluate operational performance, identify opportunities, and support field leadership.
• Develop and implement scalable operating procedures that improve consistency, productivity, and overall execution.
• Build a culture of ownership, urgency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Financial Performance & Profitability

• Take ownership of operational P&L performance across assigned locations, with responsibility for driving revenue, profitability, and controllable expenses.
• Analyze financial performance, identify underperforming locations, and implement corrective action plans.
• Drive improvements in labor productivity, food costs, cost of goods sold, and other key operating expenses.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase same-store sales, average ticket, transaction counts, and restaurant-level EBITDA.
• Partner with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, capital expenditures, and long-term financial planning.
• Utilize operational reporting and performance dashboards to make data-driven decisions.

Sales Growth & Guest Experience

• Develop and implement initiatives designed to increase restaurant sales, customer traffic, and guest retention.
• Ensure locations consistently deliver exceptional service, product quality, speed, cleanliness, and hospitality.
• Monitor guest satisfaction scores, online reviews, customer complaints, and service-related performance indicators.
• Partner with marketing and other departments to execute promotional initiatives, new product launches, and local store marketing programs.
• Identify opportunities to improve drive-thru performance, throughput, order accuracy, and speed of service.

Talent Development & Organizational Performance

• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing operational leaders.
• Build succession plans and leadership development programs to support continued organizational growth.
• Establish a strong performance management culture focused on coaching, development, and accountability.
• Address performance issues proactively while maintaining a positive, results-oriented work environment.
• Partner with Human Resources to improve employee engagement, retention, staffing levels, and organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure restaurants maintain appropriate staffing levels while optimizing labor costs.

Operational Excellence & Growth

• Identify opportunities to improve operating procedures, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance restaurant-level performance.
• Lead operational initiatives related to new restaurant openings, acquisitions, remodels, and market expansion.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, labor regulations, and brand standards.
• Support the implementation of new technology, systems, and operational tools designed to improve productivity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leadership teams to ensure operational strategies align with broader business objectives.
• Develop action plans to improve underperforming restaurants and sustain results across the portfolio.

Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years of progressive restaurant operations leadership experience, including significant multi-unit QSR responsibility.
• Proven experience overseeing multiple restaurant locations with direct accountability for operational and financial performance.
• Demonstrated success improving same-store sales, restaurant profitability, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
• Strong understanding of restaurant P&Ls, labor management, food costs, financial reporting, and operational KPIs.
• Experience leading and developing District Managers, Area Directors, General Managers, and other field leadership teams.
• Proven ability to identify operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
• Experience supporting new restaurant openings, market expansion, or organizational growth preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly to restaurant locations.