Franchise Operations Manager

About the Team

We live for the day when ACE is the employer, franchisor, and brand of choice. We strive to create genuine and lasting relationships where everyone connects, contributes, and thrives. We are looking for bright, kind, and goal-oriented people to join our team and help us achieve our vision. 

About the Role

The Manager, Operations (East or West) is responsible for supporting operational excellence across assigned stores/client portfolios by improving brand standards compliance, boosting sales performance, and elevating food safety and quality. With a strong focus on operational efficiency and continuous improvement, the Manager, Operations partners closely with regional teams, field trainers, franchisees, and cross-functional departments to implement innovative practices and scalable solutions. This role uses audit results, sales data, and compliance metrics to identify trends, develop action plans, and support under-performing stores.

This role requires deep operational knowledge and multi-unit leadership experience sufficient to manage the division in the absence of the division leader. This role must be able to provide training to franchisees at new store openings, facilitate chef transfers/takeovers/terminations, and manage sushi bar operations as business needs may require with travel up to 70% of the time. To be successful in this role requires a combination of operational agility, adaptability, and strategic thinking to enhance store sales and performance, customer satisfaction, and brand integrity.

You'll be excited about this opportunity because you will...

• Ensures smooth day-to-day operations by assisting the field team and chefs with any operational needs (e.g. product orders, inventory transfers, troubleshooting WTP tablet, conducting in-person or virtual food safety trainings, issuing default notices, etc.)
• Leads operations activities at new store openings, transfers, takeovers, terminations, and/or closings. 
• Lead point of contact for operations team to resolve operational issues for assigned key clients (major accounts), coordinating RM follow-up and chef training/retraining. 
• Partner with Account Management and Operations leadership team.
• Assist in compiling, reporting and analyzing sales data from WTP or other reports; identify trends and strategies to improve sales.
• Identify opportunities for sales growth and operational enhancements in under-performing stores.
• Assist Regional Managers in coaching and developing franchise chefs through virtual training or in-store visits to uphold ACE Sushi’s operational and brand standards.
• Complete store audits with notes and pictures in the Safety Culture platform and follow up with RM regarding corrective actions / additional training needs.
• Analyze audit results and operational data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Generate and present reports on field operations findings to Regional Managers and division leadership.
• Work closely with field and corporate operations, account management, franchise sales, and the food safety team to align on best practices and continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide feedback to leadership on field observations, operational challenges, and areas where additional support is needed.
• Support special projects or company initiatives as assigned to enhance ACE Sushi’s brand presence, sales, and store performance.
• Participate in company meetings, conferences, and training programs to stay updated on industry trends and internal policies.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license, excellent motor vehicle record, and reliable transportation.
• Must reside in major market within assigned region.

We're excited about you because you...

• Driving Results: Sets high performance standards and takes initiative to achieve ambitious goals.
• Coaching and Development: Builds the capability of franchisees and regional managers through effective on the job coaching and feedback.
• Problem Solving: Identifies root causes of challenges and develops creative, effective solutions.
• Analytical Skills: Interprets and synthesizes data from diverse sources to identify trends, diagnose challenges, and make strategic, data-driven decisions that optimize operations.
• Customer Focus: Prioritizes client and customer satisfaction and builds strategies to enhance the overall customer experience.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with diverse teams and builds strong relationships across the organization.

And you have…

• Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or a related field preferred; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years of experience in quick service sushi industry / sushi bar franchise operations is required.
• 5 years of experience in leading multi-unit leaders and corporate-level operations and initiatives.
• 10 years of experience in operations in the quick service, food service, restaurant, or retail industry.
• Experience in grocery store operations is a plus.
• Proven experience coaching and mentoring franchise chefs to drive performance improvement.
• 5 years of experience in project management / corporate operations.
• 3 years of experience in operations and sales data analysis is preferred.

You’ll love working here because we...

·       Are a successful, fast-growing company with a start-up work vibe.

·       Offer competitive salaries and comprehensive health benefits.

·       Are forward-thinking, redefining our business for the next generation.

·       Are passionate about our employees, our franchisees, their employees and consumers—we live and breathe the Customer Experience.

·       Have a leadership team that wants to do the right thing and is open to new ideas.

EEO Statement

Our Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, we comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.