Restaurant Director of Operations l Fast Casual Concept l $120K - $130K l #ZRB 3644962

Director of Operations

Fast-Growing Fast-Casual Restaurant Concept | Ohio Region

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Regional Director of Operations to lead the continued development and growth of a high-performing Ohio region. This position will oversee 34 Area Directors responsible for approximately 2030 restaurant locations.

The Regional Director of Operations will provide strategic leadership, develop multi-unit leaders, drive financial and operational performance, and ensure every restaurant consistently delivers an exceptional guest experience. This is an exciting opportunity to join a top-ranked, rapidly growing restaurant company offering tremendous potential for professional advancement.

Key Responsibilities

Regional Leadership

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for approximately 2030 restaurant locations throughout the Ohio region.
• Directly manage, coach, and develop 34 Area Directors, ensuring they effectively lead their assigned restaurants and restaurant management teams.
• Establish clear expectations, performance goals, and accountability throughout the region.
• Build a strong leadership pipeline to support new restaurant openings and continued company growth.
• Regularly visit restaurants to assess performance, identify opportunities, and support field leaders.

Leadership Development

• Develop Area Directors into stronger business leaders through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and succession planning.
• Partner with Area Directors to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing General Managers and restaurant leadership teams.
• Identify high-potential leaders and create development plans that prepare them for increased responsibility.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and results-driven culture built around teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure all restaurants operate efficiently and consistently follow company standards, systems, and policies.
• Monitor regional performance and implement action plans to improve sales, profitability, guest satisfaction, food quality, and team engagement.
• Evaluate operational processes and identify opportunities to improve execution, productivity, and consistency.
• Support successful new restaurant openings, including leadership selection, team development, training, and operational readiness.

Financial Performance

• Take ownership of the region's overall financial performance, including sales growth, profitability, labor, food costs, and controllable expenses.
• Review financial statements and key performance indicators with Area Directors to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and execute strategies that achieve financial targets and maximize restaurant-level profitability.
• Manage regional budgets and ensure resources are allocated effectively.

Guest Experience and Brand Standards

• Champion a guest-first culture across every restaurant in the region.
• Ensure each location consistently delivers outstanding food quality, hospitality, cleanliness, and overall guest satisfaction.
• Partner with Area Directors to address guest feedback and resolve recurring service or operational issues.
• Protect and promote the company's brand, values, and reputation throughout the region.

Growth and Strategic Initiatives

• Partner with senior leadership to develop and execute regional growth strategies.
• Prepare the region's leadership infrastructure to support new restaurant openings and market expansion.
• Identify operational trends, market opportunities, and potential barriers to growth.
• Lead company initiatives and ensure consistent execution across all restaurants.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all restaurants comply with company policies, food safety requirements, health regulations, and applicable employment standards.
• Conduct regular operational reviews and ensure Area Directors maintain strong accountability at the restaurant level.
• Promote a safe working environment for employees and guests.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressive multi-unit restaurant operations experience.
• Must have experience directly overseeing and developing multi-unit leaders, such as Area Directors, District Managers, or Area Managers.
• Experience leading a large region or market consisting of multiple restaurant locations.
• Proven success managing operational performance across a fast-casual, QSR, or multi-unit restaurant organization.
• Experience supporting new restaurant openings, building leadership teams, and developing new markets.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including experience managing budgets, reviewing P&L statements, and improving profitability.
• Demonstrated ability to coach leaders, build succession plans, and create high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and restaurant management systems.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout the assigned region.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and sick leave.
• Strong work-life balance.
• Professional development and leadership support.
• Significant career advancement opportunities with a rapidly growing company.
• Supportive, collaborative, and people-focused culture.