Margin Improvement Analyst

Be a part of one of the 10 fastest growing fast casuals, Slim Chickens!

Slim Chickens is a leading national brand in the fast-growing emerging 'better chicken' fast-casual segment. This is a great opportunity for starting and growing a career in the restaurant field. Want to work with a team that has fun every day by helping guests and making them happy? Our team members offer a fast, accurate, and friendly ordering experience - a genuine interaction that leaves our guests feeling satisfied and appreciated.

You will feel empowered to make decisions that lead to high levels of guest and associate satisfaction.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

We are seeking a data-driven, solutions-oriented Margin Improvement Analyst to join our team and support margin optimization across our portfolio of over 200 domestic restaurant locations. This role is ideal for someone with 2–3 years of corporate restaurant experience who thrives on diving deep into P&L data, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and partnering cross-functionally to drive sustainable improvements.

As a key player within our Finance and Operations support teams, you will analyze restaurant-level financial performance, uncover operational inefficiencies, and provide actionable recommendations to enhance profitability and operational execution.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze store-level Profit & Loss (P&L) statements to identify trends, variances, and margin improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, and Culinary teams to understand key cost drivers across food, labor, and operating expenses.
• Support Operations Margin Improvement Projects.
• Develop and deliver clear, actionable margin improvement insights to regional operators and senior leadership.
• Design and maintain reporting tools or dashboards to track margin initiatives and performance metrics across all locations.
• Support development and roll-out of cost-control initiatives, SOPs, and best practices.
• Conduct benchmarking analyses across stores and regions to highlight top- and bottom-performing locations.
• Stay current on industry trends, inflationary pressures, and other factors affecting restaurant profitability.

Slim Chickens systems principles and objectives: Has a thorough understanding of Slim Chickens' established operating systems (e.g., quality, security, office environment, company policies, safety) and recognizes the responsibility to stay updated on these systems and the role this position plays in supporting them.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is designed to guide the activities of the Margin Improvement Analyst. It is not meant to restrict the individual's creativity or limit their thinking, nor does it encompass all the tasks that may be required in this role.

Physical Activities: Primarily performed in an office environment. Involves entering and retrieving information on a computer and visually verifying details, often in small print. May also require presenting information to small or large groups.

Travel: Occasionally visits to local corporate stores.

Benefits:

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Flexible Spending Account

• 401(k)

• Parental Leave

• Pet Insurance

• Paid time off

• Life Insurance

• Tuition reimbursement

• Adoption Assistance

Slim Chickens is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all open positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, and physical or mental disability.

Requirements and Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a solid understanding of restaurant P&L components.
• Proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI); experience with ERP or POS systems a plus.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, business-friendly insights.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented with a proactive mindset and strong business acumen.
• Experience with multi-unit restaurant operations analytics.
• Working knowledge of inventory, labor scheduling, or recipe costing systems.
• Exposure to Lean Six Sigma or process improvement methodologies.

Technical Experience: 2-3 years of experience in a corporate restaurant setting or hospitality-focused finance/ operations role.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Analytics, or related field.