Head of Americas - Restaurant and Consumer Operations

About the Role

Ascendi Global is conducting a confidential search for a senior executive to lead and grow its restaurant operations across the Americas, including the USA, Canada, and Latin America. This full-time, permanent role is based in Los Angeles, California, and entails steering the regional strategy, elevating commercial performance, and building the organizational structure needed for expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the commercial and operational results of the Americas region.
• Manage financial planning, budgeting for revenue, profitability, investments, and cost controls.
• Identify opportunities to boost sales, margins, and overall business success.
• Lead the regional leadership teams covering Operations, Marketing, Real Estate, Development, Finance, Supply Chain, and Human Resources.
• Enhance restaurant performance in service quality, product consistency, food safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Set clear business objectives and ensure their effective implementation across markets.
• Improve labor productivity, profitability at restaurant-level, and operational efficiency.
• Design market-appropriate commercial strategies, branding, and customer engagement initiatives.
• Support menu innovation, product rollouts, and local promotions.
• Expand digital sales channels including online ordering, delivery, and catering.
• Lead market entry efforts, store location planning, development, and new openings.
• Collaborate with franchises, joint ventures, and other partners to sustain growth and performance standards.
• Build a strong regional organization with leadership development, accountability, and succession planning.
• Cultivate a culture focused on entrepreneurship and performance adapted to an international growth environment.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years in senior leadership managing significant business or regional profit & loss responsibilities.
• Experience as a President, Regional General Manager, Business Unit Head, COO, or similar senior leadership role.
• Extensive experience in restaurant, quick-service, hospitality, retail, or other high-volume consumer sectors.
• Direct experience managing or growing restaurant operations within the Americas.
• Proven track record in market entry, store network expansion, or scaling regional operations.
• Practical knowledge of site selection, property development, restaurant openings, and post-opening performance.
• Understanding of franchise, joint venture, or third-party operational models.
• Strong grasp of restaurant economics, financial management, operational results, and capital investments.
• Experience leading senior cross-functional teams in complex and fast-paced organizations.
• Ability to combine strategic planning with direct operational leadership.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, commercial insight, and decisiveness in a changing business climate.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Undergraduate degree required.

While not essential, experience with Asian restaurant brands or cuisine is considered a plus. Candidates must be based in Los Angeles or willing to relocate. The position involves approximately 20% travel within the United States.

Additional Information

Applications will be handled confidentially. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their résumés directly.