Director of Operations – Bakery & Café Concept

Restaurant Zone Recruiting; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bakery café franchise is looking for a Director of Operations to oversee multi-unit operations across Southern California. This strategic role focuses on driving performance, growth, and brand consistency while enhancing guest experiences. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in multi-unit leadership, particularly within fast-casual concepts, and will be responsible for developing high-performance operational standards in collaboration with franchise partners. This is a key role requiring strong leadership and financial management skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in multi-unit leadership within bakery café or fast-casual concepts.
• Experience managing franchise relationships and driving unit-level performance.
• Proven success in high-growth, fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Drive KPIs: sales, profitability, and guest experience.
• Develop and implement strategic and operational plans.
• Coach and develop operations leaders.

Skills

Multi-unit leadership experience

Financial management skills

Operational leadership

Communication skills

Team leadership

Job description

A rapidly growing franchise bakery café concept focused on expertly crafted baked goods and beverages, delivering a warm, community-driven guest experience. With aggressive U.S. expansion plans, this brand is redefining the neighborhood café experience.

About the Role

The Director of Operations oversees multi-unit operations across Southern California, driving performance, growth, and brand consistency across both corporate and franchise locations. This role is highly strategic and operational, focused on KPIs, people development, and franchise partnership.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive KPIs: sales, profitability, guest experience, and audit performance
• Partner with franchisees to ensure brand standards and high-level execution
• Develop and implement strategic and operational plans
• Coach and develop operations leaders; build a high-performance culture
• Manage budgeting, financial planning, and reporting to the COO
• Support new store openings, market expansion, and site selection
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve systems and processes
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and brand standards

Qualifications

• 5+ years in multi-unit leadership within bakery café, QSR, or fast-casual concepts
• Proven success in high-growth, fast-paced environments
• Strong financial, operational, and people leadership skills
• Experience managing franchise relationships and driving unit-level performance
• High emotional intelligence, strong communication, and a team-first leadership style