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 Operations Manager, East (preferably resides in Michigan, Illinois or Indianapolis, IN) 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 while also driving promotional effectiveness and new menu innovations. 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...

1. Operations Support

• Ensures smooth day-to-day operations by assisting the field team and chefs with any operational needs (e.g. product orders, inventory transfers, stores with no chef, corporate)
• Supports field team at new store openings, transfers, takeovers, and/or closings, as directed.
• Coordinates scheduling with RMs and make adjustments as needed for the business.
• Partners with franchise sales to communicate open chef positions and assists supervisor with franchise chef, corporate chef and trainer interviews.
• Ensure transfers / terminations / takeovers are executed smoothly.
• Assists with NSO training plans/schedules by providing dates or other key information needed to Project Manager.
• Supports the field team with chef relations and regional recruiting efforts to help identify and retain quality chefs at all stores.
• Conduct site visits for NSO and complete reporting for division leader with pictures and details regarding equipment, sushi bar layout, local market information, etc.
• Provides backup support for all NSO, client meetings and trainings for assigned area (East or West).

2. Account Management Support

• Lead point of contact 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 to:
• Ensure smooth execution of key account initiatives.
• Conduct timely follow up with franchise chefs, the RMs, the store management teams, and the client.
• Help develop weekly sales action plans and monthly business plans.
• Conduct training programs virtually or in person for franchise chefs.

3. Sales & Performance Improvement

• 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.
• Support operations leadership, account management, and regional managers in executing tailored action plans to address sales and operational challenges at under-performing stores.
• Troubleshoot operational, client and franchise chef challenges, offering practical solutions to improve performance and the customer experience.

4. Training & Coaching

• 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.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on sales performance, improvement initiatives, and outcomes for assigned accounts or as directed by supervisor.

5. Financial Reporting & Data Analysis

• 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.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure sales, compliance, efficiency, and the impact of training initiatives.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• 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.
• Assist in the development and refinement of training materials and sales/store performance guidelines.

7. Special Projects & Additional Initiatives

• 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.
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategies aimed at improving overall franchise operations and client/customer satisfaction.
• Supports field team at new store openings, transfers, takeovers, and/or closings, as directed.
• Coordinates scheduling with RMs and make adjustments as needed for the business.
• Partners with franchise sales to communicate open chef positions and assists supervisor with franchise chef, corporate chef and trainer interviews.
• Ensure transfers / terminations / takeovers are executed smoothly.
• Assists with NSO training plans/schedules by providing dates or other key information needed to Project Manager.
• Supports the field team with chef relations and regional recruiting efforts to help identify and retain quality chefs at all stores.
• Conduct site visits for NSO and complete reporting for division leader with pictures and details regarding equipment, sushi bar layout, local market information, etc.
• Provides backup support for all NSO, client meetings and trainings for assigned area (East or West).

We're excited about you because you have...

• Strong analytical skills to evaluate sales and financial data and develop actionable insights.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships and inspire franchisees.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others and achieve results in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

And you have…

• Experience in the sushi business and franchise industry is preferred.
• Clean driving record and reliable transportation
• Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or a related field preferred; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3 years of experience in operations, sales, or account management, preferably in the food
• Service or retail industry; experience in the sushi business and franchise industry is preferred.
• Proven experience coaching and mentoring teams to drive performance improvement
• Ability to travel 50% of the time within geographic region

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.

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Midwest (Chicago and Surrounding States)

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10114

Salary : $80,000 - $90,000