Operations Director jobs in Lexington, KY

Description

Summary

The Director of Operations position reports directly to the Sr. Director of Operations and plays a critical role in leading and directing the Franchise Growth Leaders in the A&W strategic focus of building profitable sales for our franchise partners. This position will be located out of the headquarters in Lexington, KY. The Director of Operations also is the Operations lead and decision maker with all new restaurant openings and development.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General Responsibilities

1. Oversee Field Operations for all franchise restaurants and organizations.
2. Lead, direct, and coordinate the successful implementation of all key operational and organizational initiatives.
3. Develop and disseminate a system-wide standardization process that ensures flawless operational execution and consistency between company and franchise restaurants. 
4. Provide thought leadership and innovation in the refinement of systems and standards.
5. Lead rollout timeframes and follow up for all new initiatives.
6. Provide guidance to Franchise Growth Leaders, Franchise Partners, and others as it pertains to restaurant Profit and Loss (P&L) management, including insights on financial analysis, cost management techniques, and revenue optimization.  
7. Serve as leader and key decision maker on equipment and kitchen area layouts, including but not limited to new restaurant development.
8. Track and monitor progress/effectiveness of established operational objectives.
9. Serve as liaison between Field Operations and Marketing Teams as well as Field Operations voice to vendors and other internal departments. 
10. Lead Franchise Growth Leader team in all field marketing initiatives.
11. Execute a strategic plan focusing on operational excellence and consistent best production standards and superior customer service.
12. Attend and present at meetings the findings and feedback from the Franchise Growth Leaders and the restaurants.
13. Assist Franchise Partners in maximizing sales and profits.
14. Enforce compliance to A&W Restaurants, Inc. Standards and specifications.
15. Ensure company and government regulations are being observed.

Competencies

1. Self-motivated, able to problem-solve both independently and within a team. 
2. Collaborative and inclusive mindset; Able to effectively communicate and work with others through differences. 
3. Excellent ability to prioritize and manage one’s time. 
4. Strong leadership, coaching, and development ability.
5. Adept at analyzing restaurant P&L reports and setting strategies to enhance overall profitability and drive growth.
6. Brand ambassador, able to represent A&W in a professional manner at all times. 
7. Focused on building brand equity.
8. Creative thinker, able to deliver ideas for change and continuous improvement.
9. Ability to communicate effectively with all individuals at all levels of the organization.

Supervisory Responsibility

The Director of Operations has direct supervision over the Franchise Growth Leaders. This person may also oversee company-owned restaurant operations. They may also serve as a coach and mentor for other Team Members.

Requirements

Physical Demands

This position requires a large amount of travel, by both vehicle and airplane. This role may also require the ability to stand, exert fast-paced mobility while working in the company or franchise-owned locations. While rare, this position may also require the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. if assisting a location. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Schedules will fall sometime between 7am and 7pm Monday-Friday, with some weekend and evening events required. The position would be expected to report to our Lexington, KY, headquarters. Schedules are subject to supervisor and/or Company approval. 

Travel

The travel for this position will fluctuate based on the initiatives of the brand and may be up to 50%.

Required Education and Experience

1. Thorough understanding of all aspects of multi-unit restaurant operations. 10 years restaurant operations with a minimum of 5 years above-store leadership experience (Corporate and/or franchise).
2. Minimum 5 years multi-unit restaurant operations background with P&L accountability.  
3. Advanced knowledge of food safety/sanitation procedures, including ServSafe certification.
4. Background of working with Finance, Training, and other support functions.
5. Experience working closely with Marketing and/or Local Store Marketing initiatives.
6. Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. 
7. New Restaurant Opening experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. 2 or 4-year degree in Business or related field.
2. 15 years of restaurant operations with 7 years above store leadership experience. 
3. Demonstrate a track record of providing multiple brand management, product quality, cost reductions, market development and start-up operations.
4. Ability to lead financial business reviews and recommend solutions to business problems.
5. Excel in negotiating, influencing, and strategic/broad business thinking skills. 

Equal Opportunity Employment

It is the policy of A&W Restaurants, Inc. to offer equal employment opportunity in all aspects of the employer/Team Member relationship without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetic information, tobacco smoking status, or any other status protected by law. A&W Restaurants, Inc. acts in compliance with the requirements and intent of applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations to protect the right to equal opportunity employment.