Director of Operations (DOO)

Leaning in is what the Smash in Smashburger is all about! 

At Smashburger, we don’t just make burgers—we create crave-worthy moments that keep guests coming back for more.  We believe the more you lean in in life, the more you get out!    We chase greatness, play as one team, and lead with bold action. You'll be part of a team that works hard and cares deeply—where passion and dedication are just as important as skill. At Smashburger, we live by our values:

Taste Obsessed – Bring flavor into every shift

Premium Experience – Lead Boldly. Deliver Flawlessly

Stay Hungry – Literally & Figuratively

One Team! One Smash! – Smash Together

Do What’s Right – Act with honesty and consistency.

If this sounds like your kind of place, we’d love to have you on the team!

The Role

The Director of Operations leads multi-unit restaurant performance across assigned markets, driving sales, guest satisfaction, and team development. This role partners closely with restaurant leadership to ensure consistent execution of brand standards and operational excellence.

What You'll Do

• Oversee 6–10 restaurant locations (primarily corporate; some franchise exposure)
• Lead, coach, and develop RGMs, RMs, and Supervisors to achieve sales, labor, and operational goals
• Conduct regular in-market visits (4–6 days/week) to drive performance and accountability
• Improve guest experience metrics (NPS, OSAT) and resolve guest concerns within 24 hours
• Analyze financial performance (sales, labor, costs) and implement improvement plans
• Review schedules, staffing, and inventory to optimize efficiency
• Build talent pipelines through hiring, development, and succession planning
• Ensure completion of training programs and adherence to company standards
• Maintain compliance with food safety, operational, and regulatory requirements
• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Recruiting, Training, and Marketing
• Execute local store marketing initiatives to drive traffic and sales

• 5 years of multi-unit restaurant leadership experience
• Proven ability to drive sales, develop teams, and improve operations
• Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills
• Solid financial and operational acumen
• Highly organized, self-directed, and results-driven
• Based in Illinois with ability to get to Chicagoland market, as well as restaurants in Minnesota
• Valid driver’s license; 80–85% travel within market
• Availability for nights, weekends, and on-call support as needed
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Completion of company training program required

Why You’ll Love It Here

• High-Impact Role: Your leadership will shape the future of Smashburger and drive our success.
• Culture of Growth: We believe in leveling up—for our guests, our team, and ourselves.
• Work with Passionate People: Our team is all-in, committed to excellence, and ready to smash barriers together.
• Competitive Compensation & Perks: Because we value top talent who bring their A-game every day.
• Better Benefits: Build a better experience for you!
• Quarterly Bonus
• Get Paid $ to Refer your Friends*
• RGMs, RMs, & SLs are entitled to one (1) free meal each shift they work *
• Paid time off – vacation and sick*
• Medical, Dental and Vision Options*
• 401K match (21 and older)
• Flexible schedules in a fun, family friendly, team environment
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fast track for career opportunities
• Free uniform

*Eligibility based off of time in position and average hours worked

*Referred employees must be manager level and in good standing & Referee must be employed with Smashburger at time of payout. Bonus is paid in two distributions

**All applicants and employees have an equal opportunity for employment and advancement within Smashburger.  Smashburger is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity.  We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants, prospective applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other applicable status protected by state or local law.  This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on any of these protected classes.  Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.  We maintain a workplace free of racial slurs and bias. This policy applies to all employees, including managers, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as customers, clients, vendors, consultants, etc. Any conduct in violation of these company policies is also a violation of the law.  Employees who engage in, ratify, or perpetuate discrimination, harassment or retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate discharge.

 https://smashburger.com/job-applicant-privacy-policy

#IND1