Director of Operations

ACG BBQ, LLC is the largest licensed franchise of Sonn’s Franchise company (Sonny’s BBQ), operating 30 locations across multiple states. Our mission is to create unforgettable moments through exceptional service while supporting the communities we serve.

General Purpose

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing a team of 3 Area Directors who manage 4 markets that includes 16 locations total: in our Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisianna, and Pensacola areas, generating approximately $11M in EBITDA. This leadership role focuses on driving the financial performance of the restaurants, ensuring that sales, profits, and budgeted targets are met. The Director of Operations collaborates with the executive leadership team to ensure operational excellence, establish high standards, and build successful teams across the organization.

Essential Duties

• Oversee the operational standards and performance of the restaurants across multiple markets in collaboration with the Area Directors.

• Drive financial progress by managing sales, profits, and ensuring budgeted EBITDA targets are achieved.

• Lead and support the Area Directors to ensure the success of their teams and operations.

• Facilitate hands-on training and development for team members and leadership.

• Conduct strategic analysis and participate in company-wide communication to align objectives and ensure continuous improvement. Effective leadership in all areas of people, guests, sales, and profits.

• Maintain a mindset of approachability. Build strong relationships with both team members and leadership, actively fostering a positive and productive workplace culture.

Requirements

• Lives company vision and values.

• Ensures restaurants are operating in accordance with Sonny’s BBQ brand standards.

• Assists in developing detailed restaurant budgets, annually.

• Works with marketing teams on sales strategies to counter the effectiveness of present and emerging competitors.

• Works with executive leadership to analyze company financial performance and institutes strategies for improvement.

• Conducts structured market visits to validate operational standards are consistent. This position requires working in restaurants 75% of the week.

• Conducts meetings with the operations team.

• Addresses employee issues quickly in conjunction with human resources.

• Selects, trains, develops and coaches Area Directors & General Managers ensuring they have the tools and training to perform.

• Ensures all key management positions are filled with quality candidates and turnover/stability targets are achieved while identifying future leaders.

• Ensures restaurant teams are compliant with company policies and procedures.

• Minimizes guest and team member workplace injuries through a commitment to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Qualifications

Analytical:

• Leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop teams across multiple locations.

• Strong financial acumen with the ability to drive results and meet budgeted targets.

• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and provide recommended solutions.

• Solve practical problems rapidly.

• Understand financial metrics and make recommendations around costs and ROI.

Computer and Equipment Literacy:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

• Restaurant Technology experience across multiple platforms.

• Typing and computer competency to include word-processing, spreadsheet, and database skills.

Communication:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Able to present information in group, one-on-one, and executive briefing settings.

Project Management:

• Effectively generate project plans.

• Effective management of tasks, milestones and deadlines.

• Document business processes as needed.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and flexibility to meet multiple demands in concurrent timelines.

• Demonstrated guest service skills.