Director of Operations | High-Volume Family & Casual Dining

Opportunity Summary

A multi-unit franchise operator is seeking a Director of Operations to oversee a territory of 27 to 30 family and casual dining restaurant locations across Colorado, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Based out of the Denver, CO area or Las Vegas, NV, this executive leadership position is responsible for total operational supervision, sales growth, and P&L accountability across multi-state markets. The role involves routine regional travel to direct restaurant managers, ensure operational standard adherence, optimize store profitability, and drive talent development within the organization.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, performance, and staffing across 27 to 30 restaurants in multi-state markets (CO, NE, WI).
• Prepare annual operating budgets to achieve corporate profit objectives and evaluate P&L metrics to drive sales and control expenses.
• Directly manage, mentor, and evaluate Restaurant Managers and District Managers, fostering internal promotion pathways and leadership readiness.
• Conduct regular announced and unannounced operational evaluations, cash audits, facility inspections, and security reviews.
• Manage high-level employee grievances, conflict resolutions, orientation verifications, and management scheduling approvals.
• Resolve escalated guest complaints, maintain local marketing liaison support, and oversee new unit openings within the region.
• Ensure organizational compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity standards, labor regulations, and corporate operational manuals.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of restaurant management experience, with proven multi-unit leadership capability.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated history of direct multi-unit leadership in Family Dining or Casual Dining concepts.
• Proven track record of P&L oversight, budget execution, and multi-location talent development.
• Demonstrated stability in career history with strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, and operational audit skills.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and willingness to engage in regular multi-state travel.

Mandatory Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of restaurant operations experience.
• Demonstrated multi-unit operational supervisory experience.
• Proven stability in past professional tenure.
• Ability to travel extensively across CO, NE, and WI operating markets.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $120,000.00 – $135,600.00 per year (Starting base salary $130,000.00)
• Schedule: Full-Time (Monday to Friday, Weekends, operational travel required)
• Included Benefits:
• • Health / Medical Insurance
  • Bonus Pay
  • Paid Time Off (2 weeks vacation after 12 months of service)
  • Paid Meals while on duty
  • Employee Discount
  • Relocation Assistance (for qualified candidates based in or relocating to CO or Las Vegas)

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.