WHO WE ARE
We’re not in the wing business. We’re in the flavor business. It’s been our mission to Serve the World Flavor since we first opened in 1994, and we’re just getting started. 1997 saw the opening of our first brand partner operated Wingstop location, and by 2002 we had served the world one billion wings. It’s flavor that defines us and has made Wingstop one of the fastest growing brands in the restaurant industry.
Above all else – our success is largely due to our people and our core values, or what we call The Wingstop Way of being entrepreneurial, service-minded, fun, and authentic. We believe having a strong people foundation centered on these collective values creates a crave-worthy culture and talented team, as well as ensures our brand is poised for accelerated growth. We all win together.
WHAT WE’LL NEED
The Director, Operations - EMEA will be instrumental in turbo charging Wingstop’s next phase of growth on our journey to becoming a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand. Accountable for Operations & People leadership in support of our partners in both established markets and New Market Entry; a key decision maker and strategic thought partner to the Senior Director, Ops & Development and Brand Partner teams.
The Director, Operations - EMEA has the horsepower to make things happen with a proactive hands-on approach to their work. Throughout defining and executing their Ops Strategy, the Director, Operations - EMEA is laser focused on building capability within the markets. Culturally and commercially astute, the OD thrives in a fast paced, high growth environment. Passionate about developing those around them, the Director, Operations - EMEA takes a people first approach to their work.
Key areas of focus for this role will include building best-in-class operational excellence, Restaurant & Enterprise economics, New Market Entry, BOH optimization, Drive Thru, People Planning, L&D, training, successful restaurant growth in existing markets, crisis management, equipment innovation & value engineering.
• Build a culture of Ops Excellence, ensuring accountability to deliver globally consistent and locally relevant Consumer & Employee experiences.
• Leverage relationship capital with BPs to build capability in their organization and to support them with building-out their infrastructure for scale.
• Drive exceptional Ops metrics including OSAT, Speed, Accuracy, Consistency and QSC audit scores.
• Define the regional Ops Strategy and build the necessary processes, systems and routines to drive SSSG and bottom-line conversion.
• Sustain and sponsor a “People First” Culture across the region, diving into holistic people planning to include capability mapping, bench planning and engagement.
• Work in collaboration with Functional Heads to roll out company growth initiatives such as: Learning Management System, Tech stack and Global Design Playbook.
• Work closely with Marketing Director to develop and implement plans to grow market share and increase revenues and profitability in a sustainable manner.
• Build, Coach and Inspire the regional operations team. Provide enriching development opportunities for them, allowing the business to exceed its goals and the individuals to grow.
• Lead growth strategy initiatives for the region, working closely with Central functional leaders on BOH optimization, tech enabled kitchen & defining Wingstop’s Drive Thru proposition
• Develop, lead, and provide expertise to the full network of restaurants – working with BP’s operations leadership, in all areas of operations, compliance, brand management, training, sourcing and franchising. Work with other parts of the business / stakeholders to deliver concept design, new product development, and culinary and business insights.
• Determine operational simplicity opportunities, removing blocks and barriers from the organization.
• Provide governance and regional oversight to ensure operational standards and tools are effectively implemented, with feedback and insights informing their ongoing evolution. Set appropriate metrics, measure and communicate results.
• Deep dive into all Ops, People & Training metrics to identify business opportunities. Conduct gap analysis and lead remedial action to drive performance. Lead on the job coaching and training interventions where necessary.
• Manage a wide range of regional issues with our Brand Partners identifying the root causes and finding creative solutions. Work closely with BPs to build solutions in partnership.
• Ensure hugely impactful and successful New Market Openings within the region and across international business. Collective success is fundamental to Wingstop’s growth plans.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
• 10+ years of experience in restaurant or multi-unit operations, with significant international exposure
• Experience working within a franchise system
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high performing teams
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into action
• Proven experience leading remote teams
• Deep understanding of QSR / restaurant operations, controls and financial levers
• Ability to travel, C.30% internationally
WHO YOU ARE
No job is too small. You recognize that the real work happens in the restaurants, and everything we do should support their success. You stay humble, roll up your sleeves, and always look for ways to help. You learn from others and contribute wherever you can.
You care deeply about doing great work and driving results. You’re curious, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to improve. You don’t just point out problems—you bring solutions, ideas, and perspectives that move the team forward.
You take full responsibility for your work and see things through to completion. You aren’t afraid to fail because you know that failure is a part of learning and growth. You take action, move fast, and keep pushing forward.
You lead with empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence. You collaborate effectively, fostering a culture of trust and constructive feedback. You understand the importance of teamwork and ensure that your actions build others up rather than break them down.
You push yourself and others to be better. You embrace healthy conflict, knowing that great ideas and strong teams emerge from honest, constructive conversations. You believe that leaders create leaders and are committed to fostering a culture of growth, challenge, and continuous improvement.
BENEFITS
United Kingdom
- Medical coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Income Protection
Additional Benefits
- EAP
- Business Travel Medical
Wingstop provides equal opportunities for everyone that works for us and everyone that applies to join our team, without regard to sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, any service, past, present, or future, in the uniformed services of the United States (military or veteran status), or any other consideration protected by federal, state, or local law.
Skills Required
- 10+ years of experience in restaurant or multi-unit operations with significant international exposure
- Experience working within a franchise system
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high performing teams
- Strong strategic thinking with ability to translate vision into action
- Proven experience leading remote teams
- Deep understanding of QSR / restaurant operations, controls and financial levers
- Ability to travel, approx. 30% internationally
Wingstop Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Wingstop and has not been reviewed or approved by Wingstop.
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Healthcare Strength — Corporate-owned locations and corporate roles include medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible employees. Some franchise and management postings also note access to health insurance.
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Retirement Support — Managers and corporate roles can access a 401(k) and, in some cases, a team member stock purchase program. These options provide retirement savings pathways where offered.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing programming includes wellness events or reimbursements and 24/7 mental-health support for eligible employees. Restaurant roles commonly include a free shift meal and food discounts.
Wingstop Insights
What We Do
Sure, we’re The Wing Experts, but it’s our flavor that defines us. You taste it in our 12 signature sauces, you see it through our bold TV commercials, and you feel it when you walk through our doors. It’s what we like to call a flavor experience, and since the opening of our first restaurant in 1994 in Garland, Texas, it’s been our mission to Serve the World Flavor. Fast forward over 30 years and we’ve done just that. With more than 3000 locations globally, we’ve established ourselves as one of the fastest growing restaurant brands in the industry. Our fresh wings satisfy your hunger in a way nothing else can, and we’d like to think our workplace is just as unique as our made-from-scratch ranch dressing. We’ve got the opportunity you’ve been craving whether you’re looking for something at our restaurant support center in Dallas, or in the field supporting our team members in-restaurant. For people who demand flavor in everything from their food to their career, Wingstop is the answer. We’re a brand that can’t be duplicated, with a momentum that can’t be slowed – let us show you what Team Wing is all about! Visit www.wingstop.com/careers for more information and follow our page to stay updated with all things Wingstop.
