Hands-On QSR Operations Lead – Hospitality

Lucy's Eatery; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lucy’s Restaurant Group is seeking a Quick Service Restaurant Operations Manager to lead daily operations for Wildchild Taco and Little Darling Burger Co. at the Hey Day Market in Auburn, Alabama.

You will oversee culinary execution, staffing, training, inventory, food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and financial performance. This hands-on leader works closely with the Director of Operations and Executive Chef to ensure both concepts run at the highest level, maintaining quality and guest

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in a related field.
• Experience leading in fast-paced restaurant operations.
• Strong knowledge of culinary and Quick Service Restaurant operations.
• Proven leadership and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute daily culinary operations for Wildchild Taco and Little Darling Burger Co.
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution
• Ensure all menu items are prepared and served according to recipe specifications and Lucy's standards
• Understand all team member positions and be prepared to step into any role when needed
• Prepare and cook food while maintaining a hands-on leadership presence during service
• Monitor production needs and communicate expectations to the Crew Member Team
• Ensure each QSR is organized, clean, properly maintained, and ready for service
• Assist in developing systems and processes that streamline operations and reduce unnecessary complexity
• Be prepared to jump in and support the register, grill, expo, or other operational areas during busy periods
• Lead, train, coach, and develop Crew Members and Shift Supervisors
• Recruit and select team members who demonstrate the skills, attitude, and values necessary to strengthen the Lucy's culture
• Ensure team members are properly trained and prepared to execute food and service standards
• Provide ongoing coaching, counseling, mentoring, and performance feedback
• Develop Shift Supervisors who are capable of successfully leading operations when the Operations Manager is away
• Plan, assign, and direct work to maximize team performance and productivity
• Recognize and celebrate team member accomplishments and contributions
• Maintain an open‑door environment where team members feel comfortable sharing feedback
• Build a culture that maximizes team member engagement and attracts and retains top talent
• Create an environment where guests feel cared for and valued at a high level
• Maintain a strong focus on both guest experience and team member experience
• Respond to guest feedback, concerns, and opportunities with professionalism and urgency
• Review guest comments and satisfaction results to identify opportunities for improvement
• Empower team members to deliver an exceptional guest experience
• Stay informed of market trends and identify opportunities to improve guest engagement, increase revenue, and strengthen the concepts
• Serve as a role model for professional, positive, and genuine hospitality
• Schedule team members according to business demands while considering labor budgets and operational needs
• Manage staffing levels to ensure guest service, operational requirements, and financial objectives are met
• Monitor team member time and attendance
• Hire, train, coach, and discipline team members in accordance with Lucy's guidelines and policies
• Ensure disciplinary procedures and documentation are completed consistently and fairly
• Hold team members accountable to company standards, policies, and expectations
• Establish and maintain clear operational controls and ensure they are followed consistently
• Participate in corrective action plans designed to improve guest satisfaction, quality, and team performance
• Ensure compliance with all food handling, sanitation, and health department standards
• Maintain proper food temperatures and safe food handling procedures
• Ensure proper purchasing, receiving, storage, and organization of food products
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well‑organized work environment
• Ensure all team members understand and follow sanitation and health code requirements
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and organization throughout each QSR
• Manage inventory, purchasing, supplies, and ordering
• Review invoices and ensure accurate invoice management and input
• Monitor purchasing and labor costs to support budgetary goals
• Communicate the impact of QSR operations on financial and operational objectives
• Work to achieve and exceed budget, performance, and team goals
• Identify opportunities to optimize performance, reduce costs, and create value
• Challenge existing processes and encourage innovation and positive change
• Utilize culinary operating, budgeting, and scheduling systems effectively
• Promote and embody Lucy's Family Values and House Rules
• Provide inspirational leadership that strengthens and represents the Lucy's brand
• Lead by example through honesty, integrity, professionalism, and strong work ethic
• Maintain regular communication through daily lineups, department meetings, and leadership meetings
• Establish open and collaborative relationships with team members, leadership, vendors, and other partners
• Communicate expectations clearly and consistently
• Create an environment built around teamwork, accountability, positivity, and continuous improvement
• Build and maintain an organizational culture that maximizes guest and team member engagement

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Food quality control

Staff development

Budgeting

Education

Post-secondary diploma or degree in related field

Tools

Spreadsheets

Scheduling software

Job description

Lucy’s Restaurant Group is seeking a Quick Service Restaurant Operations Manager to lead daily operations for Wildchild Taco and Little Darling Burger Co. at the Hey Day Market in Auburn, Alabama.

You will oversee culinary execution, staffing, training, inventory, food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and financial performance. This hands-on leader works closely with the Director of Operations and Executive Chef to ensure both concepts run at the highest level, maintaining quality and guest