Senior Workforce & Labor Optimization, Manager

Job Title: Sr. Manager, Operations Services - Workforce Management & Labor Optimization

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Client Partnership: We have partnered with a highly successful fast-casual restaurant chain.

Role Overview: The Sr. Manager, Workforce & Labor - Operations Services will lead initiatives that improve labor efficiency and workforce management across our restaurant network. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in analytics, financial modeling, and workforce strategy, with proven experience turning insights into scalable field programs.

Core Responsibilities:

• Own and evolve the company’s labor optimization programs, balancing efficiency with guest experience & team member engagement.
• Partner with Operations and Finance to analyze labor performance, identify opportunities, and design field-ready solutions.
• Translate labor modeling into actionable programs that improve scheduling accuracy, reduce unplanned spend, and strengthen productivity.
• Design, launch, and sustain workforce programs that streamline scheduling, optimize deployment, and enhance hourly and management effectiveness.
• Lead pilots and market tests to validate new labor initiatives, deployment strategies, and workforce tools.
• Define success criteria, capture structured feedback, and make go/no-go recommendations grounded in data and operator insights.
• Partner with Technology and People teams to maximize the value of the workforce management system.
• Enhance scheduling accuracy, labor forecasting, and compliance by improving system configuration and adoption.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, ensuring restaurant teams have the tools, training, and support to use the system effectively.
• Identify opportunities to expand system capabilities and integrate with other operational tools.
• Serve as a connector between Operations, People, Finance, and Technology to align on workforce strategies and ensure smooth implementation.
• Partner with field leaders to ensure new initiatives are practical, sustainable, and scalable across the restaurant network.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively to influence decision-making and align stakeholders.
• Build and maintain reporting dashboards to track labor performance, identify outliers, and measure ongoing savings.
• Ensure field teams have simple, effective tools and processes that support consistent execution and decision-making.

Essentials:

• 5–7 years of experience in operations strategy, workforce management, or multi-unit restaurant operations
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, with the ability to translate insights into field-ready solutions
• Experience implementing or managing workforce management systems (e.g., scheduling, forecasting, labor optimization) preferred
• Highly organized with attention to detail and a track record of executing complex initiatives across functions
• Clear, confident communicator who can influence at multiple levels of the organization
• Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on field work
• Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets (advanced functions and modeling), Google Suite, and workforce management systems
• Willingness to spend up to 30-40% of time in restaurants and 10–25% traveling to key markets.

Desirables:

• A strategic mindset paired with a bias for execution and measurable impact
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining clarity and focus
• Curiosity and adaptability, with the humility to test, learn, and iterate in real time
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to cross-functional work
• A passion for people, operational excellence, and driving sustainable business performance

Insights: Sr. Manager, Operations Services - Workforce Management (please link "cc" for closed captions)

(This is truncated job description and may be expanded or revised.)

Compensation:

The projected annual salary is estimated at $112,000 - $160,000 per year, representing the low and high ends of the range. The actual starting rate of pay may vary based on factors that include, but are not limited to, the position offered, work experience, education, training, and commensurate experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Talent Xpanse and our clients is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected, and where differences are embraced as strengths. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes equality and celebrates diversity.