Director of Operations

About AES Restaurant Group

AES Restaurant Group operates over 300 Arby’s locations across 20 states, expanding via acquisitions. The company is seeking a seasoned Director of Operations to oversee restaurant operations throughout a multi-market region.

Role Overview

This leadership role entails managing Area Supervisors, reinforcing restaurant management teams, and ensuring uniform operational and financial performance across many outlets. The Director will also support newly acquired markets by integrating AES operating norms and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Area Supervisors responsible for multiple Arby’s locations.
• Set clear performance goals and hold leaders accountable for operational, financial, and staffing outcomes.
• Supervise restaurant performance metrics including sales, profitability, labor costs, food costs, service speed, guest satisfaction, and overall compliance.
• Analyze financial results at both restaurant and market levels, identify deficiencies, and formulate corrective measures.
• Develop leadership bench strength through hiring, succession planning, training, and internal promotion.
• Collaborate with Area Supervisors to enhance General Manager efficiency, reduce turnover, and boost team member retention.
• Conduct on-site visits to monitor standard adherence and provide direct leadership support.
• Ensure compliance with policies, brand standards, food safety practices, and relevant employment laws.
• Support market integration following acquisitions, establishing consistent operations across all locations.
• Create structured reporting, operating rhythms, and accountability frameworks for new and existing markets.
• Work closely with senior leadership and support teams to implement company strategies and tackle operational issues.
• Seek continuous process improvements in systems, training, communication, and operational workflows.
• Respond rapidly to underperforming locations with actionable improvement plans.
• Promote a culture of accountability, development, teamwork, and ongoing enhancement.

Experience and Skills Required

• Extensive background in multi-unit management within quick-service restaurants.
• Proven experience leading multi-unit field leaders such as District Managers or Area Supervisors.
• Successful track record managing multiple drive-thru quick-service restaurants across several markets.
• Deep understanding of restaurant profit and loss, budgeting, forecasting, labor and food cost controls, and operational KPIs.
• Demonstrated ability to elevate underperforming outlets and establish consistency throughout a large region.
• Experience in recruiting, developing, and retaining strong leadership teams including General Managers.
• Preferred experience with acquisitions, market growth, and transitions.
• Ability to assess complex operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Strong communication, organizational skills, and reliable execution.
• Capability to motivate, coach, and enforce accountability among experienced leaders.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned territory and maintain visibility on-site.
• Flexibility to relocate if required by the company’s growth or operational demands.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Paid time off and training opportunities.

Schedule and Travel

• This is a full-time position requiring frequent travel across the territory.
• Availability during evenings, weekends, and peak business periods is necessary.

Work Location

This position is field-based and not eligible for remote work. The Director will routinely visit multiple restaurant locations across the assigned area. Market assignments may shift based on operational needs or acquisitions.

Equal Opportunity

The company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair employment practices without discrimination based on protected characteristics.