Vice President of Operations - QSR

Role Mission

To lead, scale, and optimize a high-performing multi-unit QSR portfolio by bridging the gap between corporate strategy and frontline execution. The VP of Operations will be responsible for driving Average Unit Volume and EBITDA growth while fostering a "People-First" culture that leverages 2026’s cutting-edge restaurant technology.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Excellence & Tech Integration

• Unified Commerce Oversight: Lead the operational rollout of unified platforms (kiosks, mobile apps, AI-voice drive-thrus) ensuring a frictionless "Smart Kitchen" workflow.

• Throughput Optimization: Implement BOH automation tools (AI demand forecasting, automated portioning) to maximize "Time-to-Window" efficiency and offset labor volatility.

• Standardization: Develop and enforce a "First 90 Days" playbook for new restaurant openings (NSOs) and acquisitions to ensure brand consistency from Day 1.

2. Financial Stewardship & Unit Economics

• P&L Mastery: Total accountability for the portfolio’s P&L. You must speak the language of "Margin per Ticket" and "Prime Cost" (aiming for the 60% industry gold standard).

• Data Stewardship: Maintain a "Zero-Incident" mindset by using real-time analytics to monitor food safety, labor compliance, and inventory waste.

• Strategic Scaling: Partner with the Development team to identify underperforming units and execute "Right-Sizing" or turnaround initiatives.

3. Cultural Leadership & Workforce Strategy

• Talent Bench Strength: Lead and mentor a team of Regional/District Managers. Your success is measured by the retention and promotion rate of your field leaders.

• Modern Labor Strategy: Implement digital onboarding and "Time-to-Competency" training programs to stabilize a fluctuating labor market.

• Hospitality First: Ensure that technology supports, rather than replaces, the human element of service. You are the chief protector of the guest experience.

Key Performance Indicators (The "Scorecard")

• Financial: AUV Growth, EBITDA Margin, and Prime Cost % (COGS + Labor).

• Speed: Drive-thru/Window "Speed of Service" (SOS) and Order Accuracy.

• Growth: Successful NSO/Acquisition integration timelines.

• People: Manager Retention Rate and Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS).

• Guest: Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) and Repeat Visit Rate.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Tenure: 12+ years of progressive leadership in QSR or Fast Casual; at least 5 years at the Director or VP level overseeing 50+ units.

• Technical Literacy: Proficiency with modern QSR tech stacks (e.g., Toast, Brink, Olo, AI-voice integration, and automated scheduling tools).

• Acquisition Muscle: Proven experience integrating M&A targets or scaling a brand from regional to national.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business or Hospitality; MBA preferred.

• Travel: Ability to travel up to 50% to conduct high-frequency operational audits and site visits.