Head of Americas

Ascendi Global; California (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascendi Global is seeking a senior executive to lead the Americas restaurant business from Los Angeles or with relocation. The Head of Americas will drive regional performance, shape market plans and build the organisational platform for expansion.

The role requires deep restaurant experience, cross‑functional leadership and a track record of expanding store networks across the Americas, with ~20% travel. A strategic, entrepreneurial mindset and strong stakeholder management are essential.

Qualifications

• Ten or more years in senior management with regional P&L responsibility.
• Experience in top‑level roles (President, Regional GM, COO or equivalent).
• Extensive operating experience in restaurant/fast‑casual/hospitality or high‑volume consumer fields.
• Direct experience building/restoring restaurant business in the Americas.
• Proven track record entering new markets and scaling regional operations.

Responsibilities

• Leading the overall commercial and operational performance of the Americas regional business.
• Managing the regional financial plan, including revenue, profitability, investment priorities and cost control.
• Identifying opportunities to increase sales, improve margins and strengthen business performance.
• Overseeing the regional leadership team across Operations, Marketing, Real Estate and Development, Finance, Supply Chain and HR.
• Strengthening restaurant performance across service, product consistency, food safety and customer satisfaction.
• Establishing clear business targets and ensuring execution across markets and functions.
• Improving labour productivity, restaurant-level profitability and operating efficiency.
• Developing locally relevant commercial, brand and customer-engagement initiatives.
• Leading market-entry and expansion plans, including location strategy, store development and openings.
• Working with franchise, JV and operating partners to support growth and maintain standards.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L ownership

Restaurant operations

Market expansion

Cross-functional leadership

Job description

We are conducting a confidential search for a senior executive to lead and grow a restaurant business across the Americas region: USA, Canada, Latin America.

This appointment calls for an experienced operator and business builder who can shape the regional direction, strengthen commercial performance and create the organisational platform required for future expansion.

The Head of Americas will oversee the overall performance of the region and work closely with global leadership to translate broader business priorities into practical market plans. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of restaurant operations, growth strategy, market development and multi-functional leadership.

The Role

The appointed executive will be responsible for:

• Leading the overall commercial and operational performance of the Americas regional business.
• Managing the regional financial plan, including revenue, profitability, investment priorities and cost control.
• Identifying opportunities to increase sales, improve margins and strengthen business performance.
• Overseeing the regional leadership team across Operations, Marketing, Real Estate and Development, Finance, Supply Chain and Human Resources.
• Strengthening restaurant performance across service, product consistency, food safety and customer satisfaction.
• Establishing clear business targets and ensuring effective execution across markets and functions.
• Improving labour productivity, restaurant-level profitability and operating efficiency.
• Developing locally relevant commercial, brand and customer-engagement initiatives.
• Supporting menu development, product launches and market-specific promotional activities.
• Expanding digital ordering, delivery, catering and other revenue channels.
• Leading market-entry and expansion plans, including location strategy, store development and new restaurant openings.
• Working with franchise, joint-venture and operating partners to support business growth and maintain performance standards.
• Building a capable regional organisation with strong leadership, accountability and succession planning.
• Creating an entrepreneurial and performance-focused culture suited to a growing international business.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking an executive who offers:

• At least 10 years of senior management experience with responsibility for a significant business or regional P&L.
• Previous experience in a senior position such as President, Regional General Manager, Business Unit Head, Chief Operating Officer or an equivalent leadership role.
• Substantial operating experience within the restaurant, quick-service restaurant, hospitality, retail or another high-volume consumer environment.
• Direct experience managing or developing a restaurant business within the Americas.
• A track record of entering new markets, expanding store networks or scaling an early-stage regional operation.
• Practical experience with location selection, property development, restaurant openings and post-opening performance.
• Knowledge of franchise, joint-venture or third-party operating models.
• Strong understanding of restaurant economics, financial planning, operational performance and capital investment.
• Experience leading senior, cross-functional teams in a complex and fast-moving organisation.
• The ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on operational leadership.
• Strong judgement, commercial instincts and the confidence to make decisions in an evolving business environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.

Experience with an Asian restaurant brand or cuisine would be advantageous but is not essential.

The successful candidate must be based in Los Angeles, California, or be prepared to relocate. The position will require approximately 20% travel within the United States.