Regional Director of Operations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Take ownership of the performance of over 70 Insomnia bakeries, encompassing sales, profitability, operational excellence, guest experience, and team results.

• Execute the regional business strategy and meet targets for sales, profitability, labor, COGS, operating income, EBITDA, guest experience, and operational performance.

• Examine P&L statements, performance metrics, guest feedback, and field observations to uncover opportunities and risks.

• Establish regional priorities and convert company objectives into actionable plans.

• Identify underperformance, tackle root causes, and hold leaders accountable for driving improvements.

• Lead, mentor, and develop District Managers and Area Managers.

• Foster a culture centered around training, development, accountability, and succession planning.

• Collaborate with the People team on identifying high-potential talent, enhancing retention, and facilitating career advancement.

• Ensure operational excellence in areas such as product quality, food safety, cleanliness, speed of service, hospitality, and adherence to brand standards.

• Conduct visits to bakeries and markets to monitor operations, coach leaders, engage with guests and employees, and enhance performance.

• Work collaboratively with teams when necessary to stabilize operations and identify fundamental issues.

• Convert company strategy into actionable field execution and spearhead change initiatives.

• Partner with Marketing, Finance, Digital, Supply Chain, People, Development, and other departments on products, programs, technology, openings, and initiatives.

• Advocate for field perspectives in company decisions using operational and performance data.

• Eliminate obstacles that hinder leaders and bakery operations.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in multi-unit restaurant, retail, or hospitality operations, including at least 5 years in leadership roles overseeing multi-unit field leaders such as Regional Directors/District Managers or similar positions.

• Experience in the restaurant/QSR sector or high-volume food service is strongly preferred.

• Proven track record of managing a large, geographically diverse business with full P&L responsibility across multiple markets; experience overseeing 50 or more locations is strongly preferred.

• Background working in small to mid-sized, high-growth companies, with a comfort level for the pace and uncertainty of scaling a business.

• Strong understanding of business and financial aspects, including sales, EBITDA, labor, COGS, budgeting, forecasting, and expense management.

• Demonstrated ability to lead leaders, including setting expectations, coaching, building accountability, and nurturing leadership development.

• Proven success in team building, developing high-potential talent, enhancing succession pipelines, and promoting from within.

• Capability to utilize data to analyze performance, identify root causes, and translate insights into actionable steps.

• A hands-on leadership approach with a willingness to work alongside teams as needed.

• Experience in leading through periods of growth and change, translating strategy and innovation into field execution.

• Strong communication, relationship-building, and influencing abilities.

• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred; equivalent relevant leadership experience will also be considered.

• Willingness to travel approximately 50–70%, including regular overnight trips.

• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including evenings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.

• Employee discounts and perks.