Director of Operations - Family Restaurant Concept

Regional Director of Restaurant Operations

Location: Colorado-based, with travel across Colorado, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois
Salary: $120,000–$135,600 annually, plus bonus opportunities
Employment Type: Full-time

About the Opportunity

A multi-unit restaurant organization is seeking an experienced operations leader to oversee approximately 25 restaurants across multiple markets. This position is responsible for driving financial performance, developing restaurant leadership, maintaining operational standards, and delivering excellent guest and employee experiences.

The ideal candidate brings strong multi-unit restaurant leadership experience, financial discipline, and a hands-on approach to coaching teams. Regular travel throughout the assigned territory is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead restaurant operations across assigned markets, holding restaurant leaders accountable for performance and company standards.
• Develop annual operating budgets and analyze financial results to drive sales and profitability.
• Coach and develop Restaurant Managers and District Managers, building a pipeline of leaders ready for advancement.
• Recruit, interview, select, and onboard restaurant management candidates.
• Conduct regular restaurant visits and periodic unannounced inspections to evaluate facility appearance, service, employee relations, and operational compliance.
• Review employee and management schedules, verify required training certifications, and ensure onboarding documentation is complete.
• Conduct cash audits and partner with the corporate office to investigate cash-handling and security concerns.
• Resolve escalated employee concerns and guest complaints promptly and professionally.
• Support local restaurant marketing initiatives and oversee new restaurant openings within the territory.
• Communicate company priorities, operational updates, and best practices across locations.
• Establish quarterly and annual objectives, monitor progress, and hold teams accountable for results.
• Promote equal employment opportunity and a respectful, harassment-free environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated multi-unit restaurant operations and leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of restaurant budgeting, financial performance, sales growth, and profitability.
• Proven ability to coach managers, develop talent, and build effective teams.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple locations and markets.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five or more years of restaurant experience preferred.
• Ability to be based in Colorado and travel regularly throughout the assigned markets.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary of $120,000–$135,600.
• Bonus opportunities.
• Health insurance.
• Two weeks of vacation after 12 months of service.
• Paid meals while on duty.
• Employee discounts.

Schedule and Travel

This role includes weekday and weekend responsibilities, with regular travel and on-site restaurant visits throughout the territory.

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.