Director of Operations - Fast-Casual Bagel Brand

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic Director of Operations to lead a fast-growing, high-energy bagel concept known for its quality, consistency, and community-driven culture. This individual will oversee multi-unit operations, driving operational excellence, developing future leaders, and ensuring every location delivers a 5-star guest experience that captures the brand’s signature “fun factor.”

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operator with a strong foundation in systems, leadership development, and financial acumen — someone who can balance disciplined execution with entrepreneurial agility as the brand continues to expand.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Discipline

Champion consistency across all locations, ensuring every store executes brand standards flawlessly.

Maintain rigorous operational systems, checklists, and line checks to guarantee excellence in quality, speed, and presentation.

Drive accountability for execution through daily visits, audits, and ongoing feedback.

2. People Developer

Recruit, train, and mentor high-performing General Managers and Assistant Managers.

Build a strong leadership bench capable of supporting future growth and multi-unit expansion.

Foster a culture of coaching, recognition, and continuous improvement.

3. Culture Keeper

Protect and promote the brand’s unique identity — energetic, community-minded, and guest-first.

Lead by example, ensuring every team member embodies the company’s values and hospitality-driven approach.

4. Multi-Unit Leadership

Oversee multiple locations with a focus on consistency, performance, and team engagement.

Provide strategic guidance while empowering GMs to own results within their four walls.

Partner closely with ownership and support teams to align goals and drive results.

5. Launch Execution

Lead all aspects of new store openings — from construction timelines to vendor coordination and pre-opening training.

Ensure stores open on time, under budget, and fully aligned with brand standards.

6. Financial Acumen

Own full P&L accountability across locations.

Monitor key metrics, including sales, labor, and COGS, and implement initiatives to improve profitability.

Translate numbers into insights — using data to tell the story of people, process, and performance.

7. Guest Obsession

Actively monitor guest feedback across platforms, ensuring consistent 5-star experiences.

Train teams on service recovery and guest engagement strategies.

Set the tone for hospitality excellence across all interactions.

8. Community Connector

Build local awareness through partnerships, events, and neighborhood engagement.

Collaborate with marketing to create grassroots buzz and strengthen brand loyalty.

9. Adaptable + Entrepreneurial

Thrive in a fast-moving, evolving brand environment.

Make sound decisions quickly, even with imperfect information.

Embrace change, inspire flexibility, and lead teams through growth with calm confidence.

Qualifications

7+ years of progressive restaurant leadership experience, including multi-unit management in fast-casual, boutique hospitality, or growing concepts.

Proven track record of opening new locations and scaling operations.

Strong financial literacy with P&L ownership experience.

Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

Passion for hospitality, community engagement, and brand culture.

Hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to balance structure and creativity.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive base salary + performance-based bonus

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off and company perks

Opportunities for growth as the brand expands

Company Description

RestaurantZone is one of the fastest-growing national recruiting agencies in the hospitality/restaurant space. We are a research-based retained recruitment agency & hybrid tech company that focuses on key roles for restaurants and hospitality. RestaurantZone has been featured in National Restaurant News and Total Foods Service Magazine and has worked with reputable brands like Red Lobster, Vapiano's, Chick-fil-a, Sbarro’s, McDonald's, Domino's, Cracker Barrel, Google, and Facebook. We are the cutting edge of recruiting with tech-savvy recruiters with over 100+ collective years of experience working on the team. We have hundreds of jobs to fill and grow! Our recruiters work the entire country and focus on all major locations including Los Angeles, San Diego, New York City, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Washington DC, Houston, Las Vegas, Denver, Hawaii, and more!

Full-time