Director of Operations | Multi Unit, Multi Brand Restaurants

Job Description

Job Description

A growing restaurant organization with a large multi unit footprint is looking for a Director of Operations to take ownership of operational performance across multiple markets and restaurant concepts.

This is not a position for someone who simply oversees reports from a distance. We are looking for a seasoned restaurant operator who knows how to build strong field leadership teams, improve financial performance, raise operating standards, and create accountability at every level of the organization.

The Director of Operations will work closely with senior leadership and field teams to strengthen the business while supporting continued growth and expansion.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Lead restaurant operations across a portfolio of 50+ locations and multiple markets

• Develop and hold accountable Regional Directors, Area Managers, and General Managers

• Drive improvements in sales, labor, food costs, profitability, guest experience, and overall execution

• Establish clear operating standards, performance expectations, reporting processes, and accountability measures

• Analyze restaurant P&Ls and identify opportunities to improve financial performance

• Develop plans to improve underperforming restaurants and markets

• Build a strong leadership pipeline through recruiting, coaching, succession planning, and development

• Partner with Finance, HR, Facilities, Construction, IT, and Marketing to support operational priorities

• Maintain high standards for food safety, compliance, guest service, and restaurant execution

• Support new restaurant openings, acquisitions, integrations, and expansion initiatives

• Spend meaningful time in the field visiting restaurants, coaching leaders, and identifying opportunities firsthand

What You Bring

• 10+ years of progressive restaurant operations experience

• At least 5 years leading large scale multi unit restaurant operations

• Previous responsibility for 50+ restaurant locations

• Experience managing through multiple layers of field leadership

• Multi brand or multi concept restaurant experience strongly preferred

• Strong understanding of restaurant P&Ls, labor, food cost, budgeting, forecasting, and operational KPIs

• Demonstrated success improving underperforming restaurants or markets

• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain high performing restaurant leaders

• Strong business judgment with the ability to balance financial performance with operational and people priorities

• Comfortable working in a fast paced, growth oriented environment

• Willingness to travel regularly throughout California and other assigned markets

\nCompany Description

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.

Company Description

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.