Director of Operations - QSR

We are seeking an experienced, results-driven Director of Operations to oversee the performance, profitability, and continued growth of a multi-unit quick service restaurant organization.This individual will be responsible for driving operational excellence across multiple locations, developing high-performing leadership teams, improving financial performance, and ensuring a consistent guest experience.The ideal candidate is a hands-on operator who understands the complexities of running a high-volume, multi-unit restaurant business. We are looking for someone who can balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution, hold teams accountable, and create a culture focused on people, performance, and results.Key ResponsibilitiesMulti-Unit Operations & LeadershipOversee day-to-day operations across multiple QSR locations, ensuring consistent execution of operational standards, brand expectations, and company objectives.Lead, coach, and develop District Managers, Area Directors, General Managers, and other field leadership personnel.Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures throughout the organization.Conduct regular restaurant visits to evaluate operational performance, identify opportunities, and support field leadership.Develop and implement scalable operating procedures that improve consistency, productivity, and overall execution.Build a culture of ownership, urgency, accountability, and continuous improvement.Financial Performance & ProfitabilityTake ownership of operational P&L performance across assigned locations, with responsibility for driving revenue, profitability, and controllable expenses.Analyze financial performance, identify underperforming locations, and implement corrective action plans.Drive improvements in labor productivity, food costs, cost of goods sold, and other key operating expenses.Develop and execute strategies to increase same-store sales, average ticket, transaction counts, and restaurant-level EBITDA.Partner with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, capital expenditures, and long-term financial planning.Utilize operational reporting and performance dashboards to make data-driven decisions.Sales Growth & Guest ExperienceDevelop and implement initiatives designed to increase restaurant sales, customer traffic, and guest retention.Ensure locations consistently deliver exceptional service, product quality, speed, cleanliness, and hospitality.Monitor guest satisfaction scores, online reviews, customer complaints, and service-related performance indicators.Partner with marketing and other departments to execute promotional initiatives, new product launches, and local store marketing programs.Identify opportunities to improve drive-thru performance, throughput, order accuracy, and speed of service.Talent Development & Organizational PerformanceRecruit, develop, and retain high-performing operational leaders.Build succession plans and leadership development programs to support continued organizational growth.Establish a strong performance management culture focused on coaching, development, and accountability.Address performance issues proactively while maintaining a positive, results-oriented work environment.Partner with Human Resources to improve employee engagement, retention, staffing levels, and organizational effectiveness.Ensure restaurants maintain appropriate staffing levels while optimizing labor costs.Operational Excellence & GrowthIdentify opportunities to improve operating procedures, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance restaurant-level performance.Lead operational initiatives related to new restaurant openings, acquisitions, remodels, and market expansion.Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, labor regulations, and brand standards.Support the implementation of new technology, systems, and operational tools designed to improve productivity.Collaborate with cross-functional leadership teams to ensure operational strategies align with broader business objectives.Develop action plans to improve underperforming restaurants and sustain results across the portfolio.Qualifications & Experience7+ years of progressive restaurant operations leadership experience, including significant multi-unit QSR responsibility.Proven experience overseeing multiple restaurant locations with direct accountability for operational and financial performance.Demonstrated success improving same-store sales, restaurant profitability, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction.Strong understanding of restaurant P&Ls, labor management, food costs, financial reporting, and operational KPIs.Experience leading and developing District Managers, Area Directors, General Managers, and other field leadership teams.Proven ability to identify operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions.Experience supporting new restaurant openings, market expansion, or organizational growth preferred.Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.Willingness to travel regularly to restaurant locations.