Operations Director - Food & Beverages (Casual Dining/Fine Dining/QSR)

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Operations Strategy & Execution

• Define and execute a comprehensive enterprise operations strategy aligned with the companys commercial, growth, and transformation objectives.
• Translate strategic priorities into scalable operating models across brands, formats, and geographies.
• Lead cross-functional alignment between operations, supply chain, finance, HR, IT, and marketing to ensure seamless execution.

Multi-Unit & Multi-Brand Operations Oversight

• Oversee end-to-end operations across multiple stores, kitchens, commissaries, and distribution channels.
• Standardize, optimize, and continuously refine SOPs to ensure consistency in quality, service, food safety, and brand execution.
• Ensure operational scalability to support store openings, brand launches, franchising, and new business models.

Financial Performance & Cost Optimization

• Own operational P&L performance, including labor productivity, food cost control, waste reduction, and margin improvement.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets, forecasts, and performance reviews.
• Lead cost optimization initiatives without compromising product quality, safety, or customer experience.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement programs using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement data-driven solutions to improve efficiency, throughput, and service levels.
• Champion innovation in operations, including process automation, kitchen technology, and operational digitization.

Leadership, Talent & Capability Building

• Build, mentor, and develop senior operations leaders, regional managers, and site leaders.
• Establish clear performance expectations, succession planning, and leadership development frameworks.

Growth, Expansion & Transformation Readiness

• Lead operational readiness for store expansions, market entry, mergers, and new initiatives.
• Partner with real estate, construction, and project teams to ensure timely and compliant store openings.
• Support enterprise transformation initiatives including ERP implementations, system upgrades, and organizational redesign.

Risk Management, Compliance & Controls

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health regulations, labor laws, and internal operational controls.
• Oversee enterprise risk management related to operations, supply disruptions, safety incidents, and business continuity.
• Implement robust audit, reporting, and control mechanisms across all operational units.

Data, Systems & Analytics

• Leverage ERP systems, operational dashboards, and analytics to drive informed decision-making.
• Establish KPI frameworks to track performance across efficiency, quality, cost, and customer experience.
• Lead adoption of technology platforms to enhance visibility, forecasting, and operational control.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field; MBA is an advantage.
• 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in Food & Beverage, QSR, retail, or FMCG environments.
• Proven experience managing multi-brand, multi-store, or multi-site operations at an enterprise level.
• Strong expertise in operations strategy, P&L management, systems implementation, and large-scale transformation.