We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Restaurant Operations to lead and oversee multiple restaurant locations, drive profitability, enhance customer experience, and ensure operational excellence. This executive-level position requires a proven track record in multi-unit restaurant management, financial planning, staff leadership, and strategic business growth.
As a Director of Restaurant Operations, you will be responsible for developing and implementing high-level business strategies, optimizing restaurant performance, managing regional or corporate teams, and driving expansion initiatives. This role requires strong leadership, financial acumen, and the ability to align business objectives with industry trends.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership & Business Growth
- Develop and execute long-term business strategies to ensure profitability and brand expansion.
- Oversee P&L management, revenue forecasting, and financial planning across multiple locations.
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for restaurant expansion, franchising, or new market entry.
- Work closely with executive leadership and investors to align business objectives with financial goals.
2. Multi-Unit Restaurant Operations Management
- Ensure operational consistency and efficiency across all restaurant locations.
- Oversee front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) best practices to maintain high service standards.
- Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to optimize workflow and minimize inefficiencies.
- Monitor and assess performance metrics, operational benchmarks, and customer satisfaction levels.
3. Financial Management & Cost Control
- Analyze financial reports, budget performance, and operational expenses to maximize profitability.
- Develop and implement cost-control strategies to improve labor efficiency and inventory management.
- Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers to optimize purchasing and cost savings.
- Manage pricing strategies, menu optimization, and revenue generation initiatives.
4. Customer Experience & Brand Management- Define guest experience standards and ensure service excellence across all locations.
- Monitor customer feedback, online reviews, and guest satisfaction ratings to drive improvements.
- Develop loyalty programs, promotions, and marketing initiatives to enhance customer retention.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to establish strong brand presence, public relations, and social media engagement.
5. Leadership, Talent Development & Organizational Culture
- Recruit, mentor, and develop restaurant general managers, regional managers, and operational teams.
- Establish leadership training programs to enhance managerial skills and employee engagement.
- Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, motivation, and high performance.
- Develop strategies to improve employee retention, satisfaction, and overall work culture.
6. Sales Growth & Market Expansion
- Identify emerging market trends, consumer behavior shifts, and competitor strategies.
- Implement data-driven decisions to improve menu offerings, pricing structures, and service models.
- Launch new restaurant locations, rebranding initiatives, or additional revenue streams (e.g., catering, delivery, and digital ordering).
- Work with franchise partners or investors to expand business operations and market reach.
7. Supply Chain & Procurement Optimization
- Oversee supply chain logistics to ensure consistent quality, timely deliveries, and cost-effective purchasing.
- Develop and enforce inventory management strategies to prevent food waste and reduce costs.
- Build relationships with key suppliers, distributors, and industry partners to enhance operational efficiency.
8. Compliance, Safety & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including health codes and labor laws.
- Implement risk management policies to address safety concerns, liability issues, and crisis situations.
- Conduct regular audits, inspections, and compliance training for managers and staff.
9. Technology & Innovation
- Lead digital transformation initiatives such as self-service kiosks, mobile ordering, and AI-driven analytics.
- Oversee restaurant POS systems, CRM platforms, and digital marketing tools.
- Leverage big data and business intelligence to optimize operational performance.
10. Crisis Management & Business Continuity Planning
- Develop contingency plans for economic downturns, staffing shortages, and operational disruptions.
- Establish procedures for handling food safety incidents, emergency situations, and brand reputation management.
- Guide teams through rapid industry changes and unexpected business challenges.
1. Strategic Business & Financial Planning
- Developing and implementing long-term business strategies to enhance restaurant profitability.
- Overseeing financial performance, including profit and loss (P&L) management, budgeting, and cost control.
- Identifying opportunities for expansion, franchising, and revenue diversification.
- Setting KPIs and benchmarks to measure operational and financial success.
2. Multi-Unit Restaurant Operations Management
- Supervising and optimizing performance across multiple restaurant locations.
- Ensuring consistency in service, quality, and operational standards across all branches.
- Streamlining workflow efficiency and adopting best practices for restaurant operations.
- Implementing new technology and automation tools to improve efficiency.
3. Customer Experience & Brand Reputation Management
- Defining customer experience strategies to ensure high guest satisfaction and loyalty.
- Monitoring customer feedback, online reviews, and guest complaints across all locations.
- Leading initiatives to enhance brand reputation, marketing, and guest engagement.
- Implementing customer retention programs, loyalty rewards, and VIP guest experiences.
4. Leadership, Talent Development & Organizational Culture
- Leading and mentoring regional managers, general managers, and restaurant staff.
- Developing and executing leadership training programs for managers and high-potential employees.
- Establishing a strong company culture that promotes employee retention and engagement.
- Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are implemented in hiring and leadership development.
5. Sales Growth & Market Expansion
- Driving strategies to increase sales, customer base, and market share.
- Overseeing marketing, branding, and promotional campaigns to attract more customers.
- Analyzing customer behavior, competitor trends, and market demands to refine the business model.
- Exploring new revenue streams such as catering, delivery, ghost kitchens, and international expansion.
6. Supply Chain, Procurement & Cost Optimization
- Managing vendor relationships and negotiating supplier contracts for better pricing and quality.
- Implementing cost-control measures to reduce food waste and improve operational efficiency.
- Overseeing inventory management across multiple locations to reduce costs and maintain consistency.
- Adopting sustainable sourcing and ethical supply chain practices.
7. Compliance, Risk Management & Corporate Governance
- Ensuring all restaurants comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Overseeing food safety, workplace safety, and hygiene protocols.
- Implementing risk management strategies to handle emergencies and business disruptions.
- Ensuring compliance with labor laws, licensing, and taxation policies.
8. Technology, Innovation & Digital Transformation
- Leading the adoption of restaurant management technology, AI-driven analytics, and digital POS systems.
- Exploring new tech solutions like automation, self-order kiosks, and mobile apps for customer engagement.
- Using big data and analytics to optimize menu pricing, inventory control, and staffing levels.
- Overseeing the implementation of online ordering, delivery platforms, and CRM systems.
9. Crisis Management & Problem-Solving
- Leading the response to economic downturns, market shifts, and operational challenges.
- Managing public relations crises, social media backlash, or customer disputes.
- Developing business continuity plans for unforeseen events like natural disasters, pandemics, or industry disruptions.
10. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Sustainability
- Establishing sustainable business practices, including energy efficiency and waste reduction.
- Supporting community engagement initiatives and philanthropic partnerships.
- Promoting ethical employment practices and employee well-being programs.
- Implementing eco-friendly packaging, sourcing, and food waste reduction programs.
Qualifications & Skills:
1. Educational Background
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- MBA or certifications in Strategic Leadership, Restaurant Operations, or Food Service Management are preferred.
2. Work Experience
- 10+ years of experience in restaurant management, with at least 5 years in a multi-unit or executive leadership role.
- Experience managing franchise operations, fine dining establishments, casual dining chains, or hotel restaurants is a plus.
3. Leadership & Management Skills
- Proven experience in leading large teams, developing talent, and implementing leadership programs.
- Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills with vendors, franchisees, and stakeholders.
- Ability to make data-driven decisions and implement strategic initiatives at a corporate level.
4. Financial & Business Acumen
- Strong understanding of restaurant financials, P&L management, budget forecasting, and revenue optimization.
- Experience in cost control, labor management, and supply chain efficiency.
- Knowledge of market trends, competitive analysis, and business expansion planning.
5. Customer-Centric & Marketing Expertise
- Strong knowledge of customer service principles and experience-driven hospitality management.
- Familiarity with digital marketing, branding, and loyalty program development.
6. Technical & Digital Proficiency
- Experience with POS systems, inventory tracking software, and restaurant analytics tools.
- Familiarity with cloud-based restaurant management platforms, online ordering systems, and AI-driven automation.
7. Risk & Compliance Management
- Deep understanding of food safety laws, labor laws, and corporate governance.
- Experience managing legal compliance, health inspections, and workplace safety protocols.