Vice President Operations|QSR

Vice President of Operations

Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) | ~80 Locations | California-Based

Job Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Vice President of Operations that can grow into COO to lead operational excellence across approximately 80 high-volume QSR locations. This is a senior, enterprise-level role for a proven operator who has directly owned large, multi-unit restaurant portfolios and can drive consistency, profitability, and disciplined execution at scale.

This role is best suited for a leader who has personally managed 60+ restaurants, understands the realities of operational complexity at scale, and can stabilize and optimize operations while preparing the organization for its next phase of growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of ~80 company-operated and/or franchised restaurants, ensuring consistent execution of brand standards, food safety, service, and guest experience.
• Direct multi-layered field leadership teams (Regional Directors, District Managers, and support functions) with clear accountability and performance expectations.
• Drive measurable improvements in labor productivity, food cost, margin performance, and unit-level profitability.
• Lead large-scale operational initiatives including systems rollouts (POS, labor scheduling, KDS), process standardization, and throughput optimization.
• Champion disciplined change management across a geographically dispersed organization.
• Partner with the CEO and executive team on annual operating plans, budgets, forecasting, and long-term growth strategy.
• Build a performance-driven culture focused on execution, leadership development, and continuous improvement.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Geographic Requirement: Must currently reside in California and be able to travel extensively throughout the state.
• Multi-Unit Scale: Direct operational responsibility for a minimum of 60+ restaurants (experience with ~80+ strongly preferred).
• Enterprise Leadership: Prior experience as a Vice President of Operations, Senior Vice President of Operations, or COO within a QSR or fast-casual restaurant organization. Company owned preferred
• P&L Ownership: Demonstrated full P&L accountability at the enterprise or large regional level, including labor, food, and controllable costs.
• Industry Tenure: 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in the restaurant industry (QSR or fast casual preferred).
• Organizational Stability: Proven track record of 3–5+ years of tenure in senior leadership roles.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Hospitality Management, or a related field; MBA a plus.

Travel

• Regular travel within California required

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