Director of OperationsConfidential QSR Organization | Canada
MacDonald Search Group has been retained by a highly successful and rapidly growing quick-service restaurant organization to recruit a Director of Operations.
This is a key executive leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, profitability, people development, and growth across a multi-unit restaurant network.
The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while developing high-performing teams.
Reporting to senior leadership, the Director of Operations will provide strategic direction and operational leadership across multiple locations, ensuring consistent execution of company standards while supporting future expansion initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead all day-to-day operations across a multi-unit restaurant network.
- Drive consistent execution of brand standards, operational systems, and guest experience expectations.
- Ensure excellence in quality, service, cleanliness, food safety, and operational compliance.
- Identify and implement operational improvements that enhance efficiency, guest satisfaction, and profitability.
Financial Performance
- Own regional financial performance, including sales growth, labour management, food cost control, and restaurant-level profitability.
- Develop and manage operational budgets and performance targets.
- Analyze financial and operational metrics to identify opportunities for growth and cost optimization.
- Drive EBITDA growth through improved execution and operational discipline.
People Leadership & Talent Development
- Recruit, develop, coach, and retain top-tier General Managers and restaurant leaders.
- Build strong succession plans and talent pipelines across the organization.
- Lead performance management processes and create accountability for results.
- Foster a culture of engagement, recognition, and continuous improvement.
Growth & New Store Development
- Support restaurant expansion initiatives and new location openings.
- Ensure successful operational execution during new restaurant launches.
- Partner with training and operations teams to onboard and develop management teams for new locations.
- Help establish scalable systems and processes to support future growth.
Guest Experience & Brand Reputation
- Champion a guest-first culture throughout the organization.
- Ensure customer concerns are resolved quickly and effectively.
- Maintain strong community relationships and local brand presence.
- Drive continuous improvement through audit programs, guest feedback, and operational reviews.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with all labour, health and safety, food safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor operational audits and implement corrective action plans where required.
- Maintain best-in-class standards across all restaurant locations.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive multi-unit leadership experience.
- 5+ years of experience within the restaurant, hospitality, or quick-service restaurant industry.
- Proven success leading multiple locations and large teams.
- Strong financial acumen with demonstrated P&L responsibility.
- Experience driving sales growth, labour optimization, and operational excellence.
- Exceptional leadership, coaching, and talent development skills.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
- Post-secondary education in Business, Hospitality, or a related discipline is preferred.
Success Measures
- Same-store sales growth
- EBITDA and profitability performance
- Employee engagement and retention
- Operational audit results
- Guest satisfaction metrics
- New restaurant opening success
- Management development and succession planning
Interested? This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced multi-unit leader looking to make a significant impact within a growing organization.
To apply or learn more, please apply today
