Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Area Director to oversee operations, financial performance, and leadership development across 8-15 casual-dining restaurant locations within an assigned district. This is a critical strategic and operational role requiring strong business acumen, people leadership, and field presence. You will report to Regional leadership and serve as the operational champion for your district, implementing company strategy while driving profitability, compliance, and team development. This position offers significant leadership responsibility and upward career potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Multi-Location P&L Ownership: Own financial performance across assigned district; establish targets; monitor revenue, labor costs, food costs, and profitability; drive corrective action to meet or exceed goals
- General Manager Leadership: Recruit, hire, develop, and manage 8-15 General Managers; conduct regular performance reviews; provide coaching and mentorship to drive team performance and advancement
- Operational Excellence: Set operational standards across all locations; conduct regular audits and inspections; ensure consistency in brand standards, guest experience, and operational execution
- Guest Experience & Brand Consistency: Drive guest satisfaction scores; ensure brand standards are met across all locations; monitor guest feedback and implement corrective actions
- Staff Development & Retention: Build and develop a high-performing management team; create career paths from AM to GM to district leadership; mentor emerging leaders
- Financial Analysis & Reporting: Analyze financial performance by location; prepare reports for regional leadership; identify trends and opportunities; recommend strategic initiatives
- Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to health, safety, labor, and legal standards across district; manage risk; maintain audit readiness
- Labor & Scheduling: Oversee labor planning and scheduling efficiency; manage payroll compliance; ensure proper staffing levels
- Marketing & Promotions: Support local marketing initiatives; oversee promotional execution; monitor effectiveness and ROI
- Vendor Relationships: Manage key vendor relationships; negotiate contracts; optimize supply chain efficiency
- New Store Operations: Support opening of new locations; train store teams; ensure smooth ramp-up
- Field Presence: Spend 30-40% time in the field visiting locations; provide visible leadership and support to store teams
- Strategic Planning: Develop district strategies aligned with company goals; identify growth opportunities; recommend operational improvements
- Reporting & Communication: Provide regular reports to Regional leadership; communicate district performance, challenges, and initiatives
Required Qualifications
- 8+ years of restaurant or food service management experience, with at least 3 years in a multi-unit or district leadership role
- Proven track record managing P&L across multiple locations
- Strong people leadership and team development skills
- Financial acumen and ability to analyze performance metrics
- Experience managing budgets and driving profitability
- Hands-on, operations-focused management style
- Strategic thinking and ability to develop and execute business plans
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Flexibility to travel 30-40% within assigned district
- Food service health/safety knowledge (ServSafe or equivalent required)
- Proficiency with restaurant POS systems, financial management software, and Microsoft Office suite
Preferred Qualifications
- Multi-unit casual-dining restaurant experience
- Franchise or corporate restaurant chain experience
- Experience with P&L accountability across 10+ locations
- Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or related field
- Six Sigma, Lean, or continuous improvement certification
- Market/district P&L growth experience
- Track record of developing managers into district-level leadership
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $85,000 - $110,000 annually, plus performance bonus opportunity (15-25% of base)
Health & Wellness:
- Medical coverage through Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) — choose from multiple carriers and plan designs to match your needs
- Dental insurance — two plan options (Basic and Premium) through MetLife
- Vision coverage — two plan options through MetLife
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Income Protection:
- Company-paid Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage (1x base salary, up to $400,000)
- Long-Term Disability insurance (company-paid) — 60% of monthly salary up to $10,000/month after 90 days of disability
- Short-Term Disability available for purchase
- Supplemental Life Insurance options for employee and family
Voluntary Benefits:
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Retirement & Time Off:
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Professional development and continuing education support
- Career development and advancement opportunities
Note: Spouses and eligible dependents can enroll in medical, dental, vision, dependent life insurance, and select voluntary benefits
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Area Directors are evaluated on:
- District revenue growth and profitability
- Labor cost management and variance to budget
- Food cost control and variance to budget
- Guest satisfaction scores and NPS
- Employee retention and turnover rates
- General Manager performance and development
- Compliance and audit scores
- Manager promotion readiness within district
- Safety record and incident reduction
Career Path & Growth
The Area Director role is a key position in the leadership pipeline. Successful Area Directors typically advance to Regional Director, Regional Operations Manager, or multi-district leadership roles within 2-3 years based on performance and market opportunities. This role offers significant upward mobility for executives committed to operational excellence and team development.
Why Join Us
- Strategic leadership with meaningful P&L accountability
- People development — direct impact on 8-15 managers' careers
- Competitive compensation — salary + performance bonus reflecting results
- Growth opportunity — clear path to Regional and senior leadership
- Operational autonomy — run your district with district-level strategy flexibility
- Established brand — work with recognized casual-dining leader
- Field support — reasonable travel with strong corporate support structure
- Comprehensive benefits — excellent health, wellness, and income protection
Interested candidates should submit resume, references, and P&L growth history to SAGE Hospitality Partners.