Restaurant Operations Specialist

Wings Team/Command Center Operations SpecialistThe Restaurant Operations Specialist – New Openings & Field Support is a highly mobile operations leader responsible for supporting restaurant locations across the country, with a primary focus on new restaurant openings, operational support, and special events.This position will travel extensively to provide hands-on support during new restaurant openings, assist existing locations during periods of increased operational demand, and support special events and high-volume business initiatives. When not traveling, the Operations Specialist will work from the company's Quality Assurance/Command Center in San Antonio, TX, supporting restaurant operations, monitoring business performance, coordinating field resources, and assisting with company-wide operational initiatives.The ideal candidate is an experienced restaurant leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, adapts quickly to different locations and teams, and can move seamlessly between hands-on restaurant operations and centralized support.Key ResponsibilitiesTravel to new restaurant locations throughout the United States to support pre-opening and opening activities.Support soft openings, grand openings, and post-opening stabilization.Ensure operating standards, procedures, service expectations, food quality, safety, and guest experience standards are established and maintained.Identify operational challenges during openings and develop timely solutions.Travel to restaurants across the country to provide temporary operational support.Assist locations experiencing staffing, leadership, training, operational, or business-performance challenges.Serve as a resource and extension of the Operations leadership team.Reinforce company standards, policies, procedures, and operating expectations.Conduct operational assessments and identify opportunities for improvement.Support restaurants during leadership transitions, staffing shortages, high-volume periods, and other business-critical situations.Provide support for company-sponsored events, special events, large-volume business periods, and other strategic initiatives.Coordinate staffing, deployment, service execution, and operational readiness.Work closely with local restaurant leadership and corporate teams to ensure successful event execution.Remain flexible regarding work schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours when business needs require.When not traveling, work from the company Command Center to support restaurant operations nationwide.Monitor restaurant performance, operational activity, staffing needs, and business-critical issues.Serve as a centralized resource for restaurant managers and field leadership.Respond to operational issues and coordinate appropriate resources and escalation.Assist with company-wide communications, reporting, scheduling, and operational projects.Analyze operational information and identify trends or issues requiring field intervention.Support the development and implementation of operational initiatives and process improvements.Maintain communication with restaurants and field leadership to ensure consistent execution of company standards.Lead by example and demonstrate the company's values and expectations.Build strong working relationships with restaurant managers, team members, and corporate partners.Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, hospitality, and continuous improvement.Qualifications3+ years of restaurant management or new restaurant openings preferred.Demonstrated ability to lead restaurant teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.Experience with special events, high-volume operations, or temporary field assignments preferred.Strong understanding of restaurant operations, staffing, training, guest service, and food safety.Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.Ability to quickly establish credibility and build relationships with new teams.Comfortable working independently while collaborating with corporate and field leadership.Proficiency with Microsoft Office, restaurant technology, reporting systems, and other business applications.Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively throughout the United States.Travel & ScheduleExtensive domestic travel is required.Travel may include extended assignments supporting new restaurant openings or operational initiatives.Must be available to work varying schedules based on business needs, including nights, weekends, holidays, and special events.When not traveling, the position will be based in the company's Command Center in San Antonio, TX.Travel requirements may vary based on the company's opening schedule and operational priorities.Success in this position requires someone who can step into a restaurant anywhere in the country, quickly understand the operation, build trust with the team, identify priorities, and help deliver results.The successful candidate will be equally comfortable leading a restaurant opening, supporting a struggling operation, managing a high-profile event, or working in the Command Center coordinating support for locations across the country.Core competencies include restaurant operations leadership, new restaurant openings, field operations, team building & coaching, training & development, problem solving, crisis & issue management, event operations, communication, business acumen, adaptability, travel readiness, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement.