What are the responsibilities and job description for the District Manager position at Built Different Brands?
About Us
Built Different Brands is a dynamic hospitality group with a portfolio of seven best-in-class brands, expanding purposefully across the Southeast and beyond. Led by CEO Kal Gullapalli, a former Wall Street professional turned franchising expert, the company is driven by operational excellence, leadership development, and a commitment to transformative growth. Recognized nationally for performance and leadership, the company prioritizes infrastructure, coaching, and a people-first culture aimed at fostering both team and customer success.
With a focus on thoughtful diversification and disciplined execution, Built Different Brands continues to make a lasting impact in foodservice, wellness, and emerging industries. At Built Different Brands, honesty, hustle, and human connection form the foundation of meaningful and lasting work.
**To apply, please send resumes to Michael Ghrist at mghrist@bdbrands.com**
About this Role
The District Manager (DM) is a multi-unit field leader responsible for the overall performance of a portfolio of Dave's Hot Chicken restaurants within an assigned district. Reporting to the DHC Operating Partner, the DM drives sales growth, operational excellence, and talent development across their restaurants by coaching and developing General Managers, ensuring brand standards are upheld, and executing DHC's strategic priorities at the local level.
This is a field-based role; the DM spends the majority of their time in restaurants, working with their General Managers.
Core Responsibilities
Multi-Unit Performance & P&L Ownership
• Own the financial results (sales, labor, food costs, EBITDA) across all restaurants in the district
• Analyze performance data and P&L reports; identify trends and develop action plans to address gaps
• Build and review restaurant Business Plans with each GM; hold GMs accountable to targets
• Drive top-line sales growth through operational execution, local marketing support, and community presence
• Identify and escalate capital, maintenance, or facility needs that impact guest experience or team safety
Operational Standards & Brand Execution
• Conduct structured restaurant visits (Operations Walks) to assess and coach on DHC brand standards
• Ensure consistent execution of food quality, hospitality, speed of service, and cleanliness across all locations
• Drive compliance with all DHC policies, health codes, food safety regulations, and labor laws
• Lead the rollout of new menu items, operational initiatives, and company programs within the district
• Ensure all restaurants maintain current ServSafe certifications and complete required training programs
General Manager Development & Talent Pipeline
• Coach, develop, and evaluate the performance of all General Managers within the district
• Conduct formal performance reviews and provide ongoing, candid feedback and development plans
• Identify high-potential team members and champion their advancement into management roles
• Partner with HR and Recruiting to fill GM vacancies; support onboarding of new GMs
• Cultivate a district culture of accountability, hospitality, and continuous improvement
• Step in to support restaurant operations during GM vacancies or critical operational needs
Strategic Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Serve as the primary liaison between restaurant-level operations and the DHC corporate/franchisee support team
• Provide field intelligence and operational feedback to influence company strategy and training programs
• Collaborate with Marketing, HR, Corporate, and Finance to align restaurant execution with business goals
• Represent DHC and Built Different Brands values and leadership expectations in all stakeholder interactions
• Support new restaurant openings (NROs) within the district, including pre-opening training and launch execution
Qualifications
• Minimum 3–5 years of multi-unit restaurant management experience (District Manager, Area Manager, or equivalent)
• Proven track record managing restaurant P&L across multiple locations and delivering consistent financial results
• Prior experience as a successful QSR or fast-casual General Manager strongly preferred
• Current ServSafe Manager Certification
• Strong financial acumen: ability to read P&L statements, identify variances, and build action plans
• Excellent coaching and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to develop GM-level talent
• Proficiency with restaurant technology platforms (POS, scheduling, inventory management systems)
• Must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance
• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or related field preferred
• Fluent in English; bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
• Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs require
Physical Requirements
• Frequent travel within assigned district (up to 80% of time in restaurants)
• Ability to bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during restaurant visits
• Ability to work in restaurant environments including heat and close quarters
Competencies
• Driving Results Across Multiple Units
• Operational Execution & Brand Standards
• Coaching & Developing General Managers
• Change Management & Communication
• Financial Acumen & P&L Management
• Problem-Solving Under Pressure
• Strategic Thinking & Planning
• Guest & Hospitality Champion
Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and district size
• Performance-based bonus plan tied to district sales volume and operational KPIs
• Vehicle allowance or mileage reimbursement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and paid training
• Employee discount
• Opportunities for growth
About Dave's Hot Chicken
Founded by Dave Kopushyan and his best friends, Dave's Hot Chicken launched from a $900 parking-lot pop-up in East Hollywood. The simple menu, built around the juiciest, most tender hot chicken imaginable, spiced from No Spice to The Reaper, quickly earned a cult following and lines stretching around the block. Today, Dave’s Hot Chicken is one of the fastest-growing fast-casual brands in the U.S. and Canada, celebrated for its bold flavors, vibrant culture, and irresistible food.
Join our team and help write the next chapter.