Job description

Role Overview

AES Restaurant Group is looking for a seasoned, results-oriented Director of Operations to oversee restaurant operations across a multi-market area. The company runs more than 300 Arby’s restaurants in 20 states and is expanding through acquisitions. In this role, you will guide Area Supervisors, strengthen restaurant leadership benches, and drive steady operational and financial performance across a broad portfolio of locations.

The right person will bring deep multi-unit leadership experience in the quick-service restaurant space, with direct experience coaching District Managers, Area Supervisors, or similar field leaders. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role focused on building accountability, developing leaders, and turning company priorities into measurable results at the restaurant level.

You will also help support acquisitions by integrating new markets and putting consistent AES operating standards in place across newly added restaurants.

Key Duties

Coach, guide, and develop Area Supervisors who manage multiple Arby’s restaurants.
Set clear expectations for performance and ensure field leaders are accountable for operational, financial, and people outcomes.
Monitor restaurant results across assigned markets, including sales, profitability, labor, food cost, service speed, guest satisfaction, and compliance.
Analyze restaurant and market financials, spot performance gaps, and put corrective plans in place.
Strengthen the leadership bench through recruiting, succession planning, training, and internal advancement.
Work with Area Supervisors to improve General Manager performance, staffing consistency, and team retention.
Make regular site visits to review execution, reinforce standards, and provide direct support.
Maintain adherence to company policies, brand standards, food safety rules, and employment laws.
Assist with integrating acquired restaurants and markets into AES Restaurant Group.
Put operating cadences, reporting standards, and accountability systems in place for both new and existing markets.
Collaborate with senior leadership and support teams to carry out company initiatives and address operational issues.
Look for opportunities to improve systems, training, communication, and operating efficiency.
Act quickly when restaurants or markets are underperforming, using practical plans with measurable goals.
Promote a culture built on accountability, development, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Experience and Background

This role requires substantial multi-unit leadership experience in the quick-service restaurant industry. Candidates should have led District Managers, Area Coaches, Area Supervisors, or similar multi-unit field leadership teams, and should have managed a large network of drive-thru quick-service restaurants across multiple markets.

Applicants should understand restaurant P&Ls, budgeting, forecasting, labor control, food cost management, and performance metrics. A track record of turning around underperforming restaurants and driving consistent execution across a large territory is important.

Experience hiring, developing, and retaining strong field leaders and General Managers is expected. Background in acquisition integration, market expansion, or restaurant transitions is highly preferred. The ability to assess complex operational issues and convert them into effective action plans is also important.

Skills and Working Style

Strong communication, organization, follow-through, and the ability to influence experienced leaders are essential. You should be comfortable coaching teams, holding people accountable, and remaining highly visible in the field. Frequent travel is expected, and flexibility to relocate may be needed depending on business growth and organizational needs.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Paid time off
Paid training

Schedule and Travel

This is a full-time role.
Expect frequent travel to restaurants and markets within the assigned territory.
Work may be required during evenings, weekends, and other peak business periods based on operational needs.

Work Location

This position is based in the field and is not remote. The Director of Operations will regularly travel to restaurant locations throughout the assigned territory. The exact market assignment may depend on current operational priorities or future acquisitions.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The employer provides equal employment opportunity and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by law.