Director, Restaurant Operations

About This Role

This role is responsible for the full operational and financial performance of a company-owned region of Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants. The Director provides strategic planning, leadership, and direction to Area Directors and Restaurant Management teams to achieve operational excellence, drive profitability, and deliver superior guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise Area Directors and restaurant leadership, ensuring consistent execution of standards across all company-owned restaurants
• Conduct frequent restaurant visits to verify operational excellence, food safety, sanitation, and guest service performance
• Ensure accountability for all KPIs across the region, including people and guest metrics, sales, throughput, profitability, food safety, and brand standards
• Oversee execution of corporate menu launches, marketing campaigns, and enterprise initiatives to ensure targeted business results
• Interview, hire, train, and develop Area Directors and restaurant management
• Analyze regional financial reports, identify trends, and lead corrective action to improve performance
• Participate in capital planning processes for new equipment, remodels, and facility upgrades
• Partner with Facilities and Operations leadership to manage regional projects, remodels, and equipment investment
• Coordinate closely with HR, Marketing, Finance, and Training to support company-owned operations and execute business priorities
• Provide operational insights to influence corporate strategy, KPIs, and enterprise performance goals

Requirements

• 10+ years of senior multi-unit leadership experience in casual dining or family dining
• 3-5 years at Director level experience
• Strong knowledge of P&L management, financial analysis, and ROI modeling
• Proven ability to lead large field teams, including hiring, development, and performance management of multi-unit leaders
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 10+ years of senior multi-unit leadership experience in casual dining or family dining; minimum 3–5 years at Director level.

Skills

* Required skills