Area Manager, NYC | Luke's Lobster

Join the Crew at Luke’s Lobster — Grow Your Career With Purpose

Luke’s Lobster is a Maine-inspired, fast-casual lobster shack known for our award-winning seafood rolls and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Every lobster we serve is traceable back to its source and sustainably harvested — because quality matters, and so do the people and oceans behind it.

We’re looking for an Area Manager to join our New York City team.

Area Manager – New York City

Location: New York / New Jersey Reports To: Vice President of Operations

Role Overview

The Area Manager – NYC is an operational leader responsible for driving sales, standards consistency, and growth across Luke’s Lobster’s NYC shacks portfolio. This region represents a key foundation of our business being our oldest market.

This role will lead and develop General Managers, ensure operational excellence across all restaurants, and partner closely with development and cross-functional teams to successfully drive new business. The Area Manager will play a critical role in scaling the brand while maintaining strong culture, guest experience, and financial discipline.

Benefits And Compensation

• Base compensation of $95,000-$100,000 metro benefit
• Performance incentive plan based on portfolio sales and EBITDA vs budget, in addition to guest experience (via google reviews) and team engagement (via survey)
• Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance on a national PPO network with company premium contributions
• Access to an Health Savings Account (HSA) and supplemental insurance policies (Accident Insurance and Hospital Indemnity Insurance)
• Low-asset fee 401k retirement plan after one month
• Optional life insurance and pet insurance after one month
• Mobile phone stipend program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
  
  

Key Responsibilities Regional Operations Leadership

• Provide strategic and hands-on leadership for this NYC Region while partnering with the VP of operations with key initiatives to improve overall performance.
• Lead 5-6 restaurants, coach and develop General Managers to drive accountability, engagement, and performance.
• Ensure consistent execution of brand standards, operating procedures, food safety, and guest experience across all locations.
• Foster a strong people-first culture that supports retention, leadership development, and internal promotion.
• Implement and maintain rigorous quality assurance standards across all aspects of shack operations - managing seafood inventory, food preparations, safety protocols and compliance with health regulations.
  
  

Financial & Performance Management

• Own regional P&L performance, including labor optimization, cost control, and sales growth initiatives.
• Analyze operational and financial KPIs to identify trends, risks, and opportunities; implement action plans to improve results.
• Partner with People Culture to ensure staffing models, labor strategies, and incentives align with business goals.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the Liaison between Operations, P C, Marketing, and Finance.
• Ensure effective communication between shacks and support teams in Maine, bringing forward insights from the market.
• Champion operational initiatives, pilots, and change management efforts within the region.
  
  

Brand Stewardship & Market Presence

• Serve as a visible leader in the New York City market, representing the brand with internal teams, landlords, and external partners.
• Adapt operational approaches to local market dynamics while maintaining brand integrity.
• Provide leadership during periods of change, growth, or operational complexity.