About the Role
Job Summary
Our client, a nationally recognized quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchise organization, is seeking an experienced Vice President of Operations to lead multi-state restaurant operations across a rapidly growing portfolio. This executive leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, improving profitability, enhancing the guest experience, and developing high-performing regional leadership teams.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Operations will oversee Regional Directors, District Managers, and Operations Leaders responsible for more than 200 restaurant locations throughout the United States. The ideal candidate is a proven operational leader with extensive experience in multi-unit restaurant management, franchise operations, and strategic business planning.
Key Responsibilities
Provide executive leadership for multi-state restaurant operations across a large portfolio of company-owned and franchise locations.
Develop and execute operational strategies that improve profitability, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Lead Regional Directors and District Managers to achieve sales growth, labor optimization, food cost management, and operational excellence.
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and hold regional leadership accountable for financial and operational performance.
Partner with executive leadership to support strategic growth initiatives, acquisitions, and new restaurant openings.
Develop annual operating budgets, capital expenditure plans, and long-term business strategies.
Analyze financial performance, including P&L statements, EBITDA, labor costs, food costs, and controllable expenses.
Ensure operational compliance with brand standards, food safety regulations, OSHA requirements, and company policies.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operations, training, technology, and customer experience.
Collaborate with Human Resources on leadership development, succession planning, and executive talent acquisition.
Support marketing and franchise development teams to maximize market growth and brand awareness.
Travel extensively to restaurant locations to coach leadership teams and evaluate operational performance.
Requirements
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive multi-unit restaurant operations experience.
At least 5 years in a senior executive leadership role overseeing multiple regions or national operations.
Proven experience managing restaurant portfolios exceeding 100 locations.
Strong financial acumen with expertise in P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and operational analytics.
Demonstrated success leading large teams through periods of growth and organizational change.
Excellent leadership, communication, and executive presentation skills.
Ability to travel approximately 50-70% throughout the United States.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel by air as required.
Preferred Qualifications
MBA or Master's degree in Business Administration.
Experience with nationally recognized quick-service, fast-casual, or casual dining brands.
Background in franchise operations and franchisee support.
Experience leading new market expansions and restaurant acquisitions.
Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certification is a plus.
About the client
This client is one of the nation's fastest-growing restaurant franchise organizations, operating hundreds of locations across multiple states. With a strong commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and exceptional guest experiences, the company continues to expand through strategic growth and franchise development.