Manager, Operations Excellence

Join to apply for the Manager, Operations Excellence role at Wingstop Restaurants Inc. We’re not in the wing business. We’re in the flavor business. It’s been our mission to Serve the World Flavor since we first opened in 1994, and we’re just getting started. 1997 saw the opening of our first brand partner operated Wingstop location, and by 2002 we had served the world one billion wings. It’s flavor that defines us and has made Wingstop one of the fastest growing brands in the restaurant industry. Above all else – our success is largely due to our people and our core values, or what we call The Wingstop Way of being entrepreneurial, service‑minded, fun, and authentic. We believe having a strong people foundation centered on these collective values creates a crave‑worthy culture and talented team, as well as ensures our brand is poised for accelerated growth. We all win together. What We’ll Need Lead efforts to enforce brand standards for food safety, quality, and cleanliness ops procedures by managing our quarterly restaurant audit program Reinforce best in class operations procedures with restaurants and manage our digital food safety program Establish and grow positive relationships with our Brand Partners (Franchisees) to foster an environment of compliance to operations procedures This position focuses on holding restaurants accountable to meeting our operations, food safety, and cleanliness standards. This is a crucial role in our business as food safety is critical to all that we do to deliver an exceptional guest experience. Manage relationship with the company that completes our QSC (quality, safety, and cleanliness) audits. Set and revise standards for these audits. Host quarterly calls with Brand Partners (Franchisees) to share QSC trends and best practices. Assist with developing training content and plans to improve QSC performance. Audience for this is both internal and external. Address QSC appeals from BPs. Able to explain procedures in a way BPs and restaurant team members (employees) can understand. Hold team members to high level of accountability and execution, and adherence to all of our brand standards. Knowledgeable of chemicals used to clean and sanitize and experienced with regulatory inspections (food inspectors, HACCP plans, etc.) Oversee our digital food safety tracking program (Zenput) and assist with training BPs and their staffs on how to use it. Monitor overall Zenput performance and drive improvements in this system. Lead efforts to reinforce business as usual operational procedures (will include both online and in person training sessions). Exceptional project management abilities and demonstrated ability to navigate multiple priorities. Able to build relationships and rally team members toward a common goal. Work in a fast pace, agile environment. Must be able to pivot successfully and manage change. What You’ll Need Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Hospitality, or related field 5+ years of restaurant or retail operations experience, with at least 2+ years in a multi‑unit or field support role (e.g., Franchise Business Consultant, Area Coach, or Operations Manager) Proven track record of upholding and auditing brand standards and driving operational performance across multiple locations or regions Experience working within a franchise system or multi‑unit organization strongly preferred Strong knowledge of restaurant operations, brand standards, and food safety compliance. Ability to diagnose operational performance gaps and create effective, data‑driven action plans. Excellent coaching and influencing skills to drive accountability and alignment with franchisees or operators. Demonstrated ability to lead through influence — building trust and partnership across cross‑functional and franchisee relationships. High level of professional integrity and brand stewardship; consistently models company values. Strong communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to deliver feedback constructively and lead training or standards sessions. Travel 20% - 30% Routine need to shift priorities among simultaneous projects, while upholding quality and sense of urgency. Who You Are No job is too small. You recognize that the real work happens in the restaurants, and everything we do should support their success. You stay humble, roll up your sleeves, and always look for ways to support. You learn from others and contribute wherever you can. You care deeply about doing great work and driving results. You’re curious, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to improve. You don’t just point out problems—you bring solutions, ideas, and perspectives that move the team forward. You take full responsibility for your work and see things through to completion. You aren’t afraid to fail because you know that failure is a part of learning and growth. You take action, move fast, and keep pushing forward. You lead with empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence. You collaborate effectively, fostering a culture of trust and constructive feedback. You understand the importance of teamwork and ensure that your actions build others up rather than break them down. You push yourself and others to be better. You embrace healthy conflict, knowing that great ideas and strong teams emerge from honest, constructive conversations. You believe that leaders create leaders and are committed to fostering a culture of growth, challenge, and continuous improvement. Benefits Unlimited paid time off for exempt employees One paid volunteer day of your choice Competitive bonus structure for eligible roles Team member stock purchase plan Health savings or flexible spending account options 401k – (dollar for dollar on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% for team member contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation) Basic life and AD&D insurance provided Education Assistance Wellness reimbursement program Paid maternity and paternity leave Fun Is The Best Flavor: Lunch provided every Tuesday and Thursday in office Work from home Fridays Discount on Wingstop gift cards Onsite game room Wingstop provides equal opportunities for everyone that works for us and everyone that applies to join our team, without regard to sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, any service, past, present, or future, in the uniformed services of the United States (military or veteran status), or any other consideration protected by federal, state, or local law. Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Management and Manufacturing Industries Restaurants #J-18808-Ljbffr