Operations Excellence Specialist (Sacramento, CA)

Come join our AFC Team!

Position Overview
 The Operations Excellence Specialist (OES) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustained success and profitability of AFC’s brand, Zenshi, franchises. This role focuses on mentoring and guiding franchisees to master Zenshi's operational, financial, and marketing frameworks, thereby ensuring consistent excellence across all locations. The OES is also responsible for enforcing Zenshi’s policies, particularly those outlined in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and maintaining rigorous food safety standards. Through strategic visits and comprehensive documentation, the OES will support franchisees in achieving year-over-year (YOY) sales growth and enhancing overall brand success.

Job Responsibilities

• Franchisee Development:
   Provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to franchisees to help them master Zenshi’s financial, operational, and marketing models. Ensure franchisees are equipped to drive consistent operational excellence and achieve sales targets. Perform other tasks assigned by management. 
• Policy Enforcement:
   Enforce all company policies and procedures as outlined in the FDD through regular field visits and detailed documentation. Ensure that food safety standards are consistently upheld across all franchise locations.
• Operational Support:
   Support franchisees in translating strategic plans into actionable sales activities. Monitor market trends and assist in developing strategies to optimize sales potential and implement advantageous pricing strategies.
• Financial Acumen:
   Demonstrate a strong understanding of P&L statements, cash flow, and EBITDA. Identify and communicate financial opportunities to franchisees to improve profitability.
• Relationship Building:
   Cultivate strong relationships with franchisees, fostering a collaborative environment. Use effective communication and positive influence to motivate and hold franchisees accountable to Zenshi’s standards.
• Travel:
   This role requires up to 60% travel to various franchise locations to provide hands-on support and ensure compliance with company standards.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• Education:
   bachelor’s degree in business, Hospitality, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience:
   A minimum of 5 years of experience in a General Manager or Multi-Unit Operations Manager role within the restaurant industry.
• Skills:
  • Strong ability to build relationships and communicate effectively.
  • Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and financial analysis skills.
  • Proven track record in leading, motivating, and holding teams accountable.
  • Demonstrated flexibility, emotional resilience, and adaptability.
  • Superior organizational, prioritization, and project management abilities.
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Additional Requirements Physical Demands:
  • Ability to translate strategic planning into effective sales activities.
  • In-depth knowledge of market trends and how to leverage them for business growth.
  • Strong understanding of P&L management and the ability to communicate financial insights clearly.
  • Commitment to achieving operational excellence through active franchisee involvement.
  • Experience with Asian cuisine, preferable with sushi. 
  • Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Rewards & Benefits
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays, including a Floating Birthday Holiday
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance (100% employee self-coverage paid by AFC)
  • Annual Bonus Opportunity (Discretionary)
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Employee Anniversary Milestone Gift
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Other Employee Discounts
  • Opportunities to participate in team events and community activities

Equal Employment Opportunity
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.