The Director of Operations is responsible for leading the operational success of franchise and/or company-owned units within an assigned territory. This role is highly focused on building strong franchise relationships, driving operational consistency, improving unit-level profitability, and supporting strategic growth initiatives. The ideal candidate is a results-driven leader with deep multi-unit restaurant experience and a proven ability to influence and inspire operators.
Key Responsibilities:Operational Leadership:
Oversee day-to-day operational performance of all restaurants in assigned region.
Ensure adherence to brand standards, food safety protocols, and guest experience metrics.
Conduct regular business reviews and store visits to assess operations and recommend improvements.
Franchise Partner Support:
Serve as primary liaison for franchise owners and operators, providing coaching, resources, and tools to help them achieve operational and financial targets.
Support new franchise openings, including training, onboarding, and market launch execution.
Build strong, trust-based relationships with franchise partners to foster collaboration and alignment with brand goals.
Financial Performance:
Monitor P&L statements, identify opportunities to increase sales and profitability, and implement solutions in partnership with franchisees and managers.
Support pricing strategies, cost control initiatives, labor optimization, and inventory management.
Team Development:
Mentor and develop field operations team members (e.g., Area Coaches, Training Managers).
Provide guidance on leadership development and succession planning for franchisee teams.
Strategic Growth Initiatives:
Partner with leadership to execute market expansion strategies, remodels, and new unit openings.
Identify operational best practices and standardize them across the franchise network.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Supply Chain, Training, and Development teams to drive brand success.
7+ years of progressive multi-unit leadership experience in the QSR, fast-casual, or franchise restaurant industry.
Strong background in franchise operations management, preferably supporting multiple owners across a region or national territory.
Proven success in improving sales, profitability, and operational execution at scale.
Exceptional relationship-building, coaching, and influencing skills.
Solid understanding of restaurant P&L, KPIs, and financial drivers.
Experience supporting large-scale openings, market launches, and growth initiatives.
Ability to travel
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or related field preferred.
Skills Required
- 7+ years of progressive multi-unit leadership experience in the restaurant industry
- Strong background in franchise operations management
- Proven success in improving sales and profitability
- Exceptional relationship-building and coaching skills
- Solid understanding of restaurant P&L and financial drivers
- Experience supporting large-scale openings and growth initiatives
- Ability to travel
- Bachelor's degree in Business or related field
What We Do
Leap Brands is a multi-faceted service provider focused on talent acquisition, M&A, recruiting, marketing, and advisory services, dedicated to building value through executive search and strategic growth for job seekers and employers.
