Job Description
AES Restaurant Group is seeking an experienced and results-driven Director of Operations to lead restaurant operations across a multi-market territory.
AES Restaurant Group operates more than 300 Arby’s restaurants across 20 states and continues to grow through acquisitions. The Director of Operations will be responsible for leading Area Supervisors, strengthening restaurant leadership teams and delivering consistent operational and financial results across a large group of locations.
The ideal candidate will have extensive multi-unit leadership experience within the quick-service restaurant industry, including direct responsibility for developing District Managers or Area Supervisors. This position requires a highly visible, hands-on leader who can create accountability, build leadership depth and translate company priorities into measurable restaurant-level results.
The Director of Operations will also play an important role in supporting acquisitions, integrating new markets and establishing consistent AES operating standards across newly acquired restaurants.
Duties
- Lead, coach and develop Area Supervisors responsible for multiple Arby’s restaurants.
- Establish clear performance expectations and hold field leaders accountable for operational, financial and people results.
- Oversee restaurant performance across assigned markets, including sales, profitability, labor, food cost, speed of service, guest satisfaction and operational compliance.
- Review restaurant and market-level financial results, identify performance gaps and develop corrective action plans.
- Build and maintain a strong leadership pipeline through recruiting, succession planning, training and internal development.
- Partner with Area Supervisors to improve General Manager performance, staffing stability and team member retention.
- Conduct regular restaurant visits to evaluate execution, reinforce standards and provide direct leadership support.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, brand standards, food safety requirements and applicable employment regulations.
- Support the integration of newly acquired restaurants and markets into AES Restaurant Group.
- Establish operating rhythms, reporting expectations and accountability systems within new and existing markets.
- Partner with senior leadership and support departments to execute company initiatives and resolve operational challenges.
- Identify opportunities to improve systems, training, communication and operational efficiency.
- Respond quickly to underperforming restaurants and markets with practical, measurable improvement plans.
- Foster a culture of accountability, professional development, teamwork and continuous improvement.
Experience
- Significant multi-unit leadership experience within the quick-service restaurant industry.
- Experience leading District Managers, Area Coaches, Area Supervisors or comparable multi-unit field leaders.
- Demonstrated success overseeing a large group of drive-thru quick-service restaurants across multiple markets.
- Strong understanding of restaurant P&Ls, budgeting, forecasting, labor management, food cost and operational performance metrics.
- Proven ability to improve underperforming restaurants and create consistent execution across a large territory.
- Experience recruiting, developing and retaining high-performing field leaders and General Managers.
- Acquisition integration, market expansion or restaurant transition experience is strongly preferred.
- Ability to evaluate complex operational challenges and implement effective action plans.
- Strong communication, organization and follow-through.
- Ability to influence, coach and hold experienced leaders accountable.
- Willingness to travel frequently and remain highly visible in the restaurants.
- Flexibility to relocate based on the needs and continued growth of the organization.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Schedule and Travel
- Full-time position
- Frequent travel to restaurants and markets within the assigned territory
- Availability during evenings, weekends and peak operating periods as business needs require
Work Location
This is a market-based field leadership position and is not a remote role. The Director of Operations will regularly travel to restaurant locations throughout the assigned territory. The specific market assignment may be determined by current operational needs or future acquisitions.
AES Restaurant Group, LLC, and its affiliates, are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
