The Senior Director, Operations Excellence is a high-level leadership role responsible for driving and implementing strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall business performance. This involves leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and developing and implementing operational excellence programs. This strategic role is pivotal in ensuring the seamless execution of the organization's most critical initiatives, driving value realization, and fostering a high-performance culture.

The Sr. Director of Operations Excellence collaborates cross-functionally with key Restaurant Support Center (RSC) teams—including Marketing, Supply Chain, Culinary, Training, IT, Human Resources, and FP&A—to develop and execute strategies that drive top-line sales growth while optimizing gross margin, cost of goods sold (COGS), and labor productivity. This role ensures operational initiatives are aligned with Guest satisfaction, food quality, and brand standards, maintaining a balanced focus on financial performance and operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals and objectives, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction, and Guest satisfaction. 
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze data and trends to identify areas for improvement, develop performance metrics, and track progress against goals. 
• Process Improvement: Lead cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements, streamline operations, and enhance efficiency. 
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop operational teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. 
• Training and Compliance: Develop and implement training programs to ensure consistent operations and compliance with industry standards and company policies. 
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with other departments, including marketing, culinary, and technology, to ensure alignment and effective execution of operational strategies. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: To drive operational excellence, maintain strong relationships with operations leaders, suppliers, and other stakeholders. 
• Seeks operator feedback: Visits restaurants and/or attends Operations meetings to gain insight into potential enhancements to systems, methods, and procedures.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage budgets for operational improvement projects and ensure financial accountability. 
• Continuous Improvement: Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices to continuously improve operations and Guest service. 

• Bachelor’s (Culinary Arts, Hospitality, or Business) or advanced degree or equivalent experience in related field
• 5+ years multi-unit Director of Operations and/or Training leadership experience in a casual dining restaurant company preferre
• 7+ years of restaurant management experience required
• Experienced with all Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated ability to work in an interdependent, cross-functional team
• This position requires the candidate to reside in the Orlando area or be willing to relocate to the area
• Ability to travel required, workweeks will frequently be a mix of some office and some hands-on involvement at various restaurants
• Working knowledge of profit and loss statements, good analytical capability
• Displays knowledge of restaurant operations and systems and empathy for operational priorities, methods, and processes with a strong focus on simplistic execution without reducing quality
• Experience with safety and sanitation management
• Good technical writing skills with strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to develop individual talent and team through coaching, teaching, and mentorship
• Extensive experience in operational excellence, process improvement, and change management
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to drive results and achieve operational excellence targets
• Demonstrates the ability to project manage effectively to achieve desired outcomes on time and within budget
• Ability to build consensus and manage change in a strong culture with a long history
• Passion for food and the hospitality industry