Hands-On QSR Operations Leader - Hospitality & Growth

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

Job summary

Lucy’s Restaurant Group in Auburn, Alabama is seeking an experienced Quick Service Restaurant Operations Manager to lead daily operations at Wildchild Taco and Little Darling Burger Co. This role drives food quality, guest service, and financial performance while coordinating with the Director of Operations and Executive Chef.

The position emphasizes hands-on leadership, staffing, training, budgeting, inventory, and sanitation, with responsibility for team development, process improvement, and

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree preferred.
• Approximately 2 years of experience in a comparable restaurant leadership position and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of culinary and Quick Service Restaurant operations.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Experience leading in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing competing demands.
• Strong interpersonal, team member relations, and leadership abilities.
• Knowledge of culinary financial management, budgeting, purchasing, and labor controls.
• Technically savvy and comfortable using operating, scheduling, budgeting systems, and spreadsheets.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional appearance and demeanor aligned with Lucy's brand and culture.
• Flexibility to meet the demands of a busy restaurant operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute daily QSR 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 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
• Serve as a role model for professional, positive, and genuine hospitality
• Schedule team members according to business demands while considering labor budgets
• 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 Lucy's guidelines
• Ensure disciplinary procedures and documentation are completed consistently and fairly
• Hold team members accountable to company standards and policies
• 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
• Monitor purchasing and labor costs to support budget goals
• Communicate 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 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 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
• Is a natural leader with a strong passion for the restaurant industry
• Leads with energy, confidence, humility, and professionalism
• Has a genuine passion for developing and encouraging others
• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Remains calm and makes smart decisions under pressure
• Takes pride in delivering high-quality food and exceptional guest experiences
• Believes in accountability while treating people with fairness and respect
• Embodies Lucy's Family Values and House Rules
• Is willing to be hands-on and jump in wherever the team needs support
• Cares deeply about both the guest experience and team member experience
• Has strong problem-solving skills and a continuous-improvement mindset
• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and strong communication
• Wants to help build a positive, productive, and engaging team culture
• Post-secondary diploma or degree preferred
• Approximately 2 years of experience in a comparable restaurant leadership position and/or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong knowledge of culinary and Quick Service Restaurant operations
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills
• Experience successfully leading in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing competing demands
• Strong interpersonal, team member relations, and leadership abilities
• Knowledge of culinary financial management, budgeting, purchasing, and labor controls
• Technically savvy and comfortable using operating, scheduling, budgeting systems, and spreadsheets
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Professional appearance and demeanor aligned with Lucy's brand and culture
• Flexibility to meet the demands of a busy restaurant operation

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Team development

Staffing & scheduling

Food safety

Budgeting & cost control

Operational excellence

Education

Post-secondary diploma or degree

Tools

Scheduling software

Budgeting software

Spreadsheets

Job description

Lucy’s Restaurant Group in Auburn, Alabama is seeking an experienced Quick Service Restaurant Operations Manager to lead daily operations at Wildchild Taco and Little Darling Burger Co. This role drives food quality, guest service, and financial performance while coordinating with the Director of Operations and Executive Chef.

The position emphasizes hands-on leadership, staffing, training, budgeting, inventory, and sanitation, with responsibility for team development, process improvement, and