Vice President of Operations - QSR

Leap Brands; Wayne (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quick-service restaurant chain is seeking a VP of Operations to own the operational P&L and execution strategy. This role involves driving Average Unit Volume and EBITDA growth, managing the integration of acquisitions, and launching new restaurants. The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of leadership experience in the QSR industry, with proven capabilities in acquisition integration and modern technology implementation. Strong leadership and financial stewardship skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in multi-unit QSR leadership, with at least 5 years at the Director or VP level.
• Proven track record of integrating M&A targets effectively.
• Expert-level understanding of modern QSR technology.

Responsibilities

• Own the operational P&L and execution strategy for the QSR portfolio.
• Oversee the integration of newly acquired units and successful NSOs.
• Implement and monitor automation tools to improve throughput.

Skills

Multi-unit QSR leadership

Acquisition integration

Tech literacy

Financial Stewardship

Job description

Overview

As the VP of Operations, you will own the operational P&L and execution strategy for our rapidly expanding QSR portfolio. Your primary objective is to drive Average Unit Volume (AUV) and EBITDA growth while overseeing the seamless integration of new acquisitions and the successful launch of new restaurant openings (NSOs). You are the bridge between corporate strategy and frontline execution.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Scaling & Acquisitions
   • Integration Lead: Architect and execute the "First 90 Days" operational playbook for all newly acquired units. Ensure brand standards, tech stacks, and culture are aligned without losing tribal knowledge or momentum.
   • New Development Oversight: Partner with the Development/Real Estate team to ensure NSOs are staffed, trained, and "revenue-ready" on Day 1.
   • Unit Economics Optimization: Constantly audit the portfolio to identify underperforming units, implementing aggressive turnaround strategies or "Right-Sizing" initiatives.
2. Operational Excellence (2026 Tech-Forward)
   • Unified Commerce Execution: Oversee the operational rollout of unified commerce platforms ensuring kiosks, mobile app, drive-thru AI, and 3rd-party delivery all flow through a single, frictionless smart-kitchen KDS.
   • Automation & Throughput: Implement and monitor BOH automation tools (automated portioning, demand forecasting AI) to offset labor volatility and drive "Time-to-Window" improvements.
   • Standards Enforcement: Conduct high-frequency "Operational Audits" to ensure 100% consistency across all regions. You don't tolerate "dumpster fire" units.
3. Financial Stewardship & Labor
   • P&L Mastery: Hold Regional and District Managers accountable for Food, Labor, and Controllable Expenses. You speak the language of "Margin per Ticket," not just "Top-line Sales."
   • Workforce Strategy: Treat labor retention as a core operational discipline. Implement modern scheduling, cross-training, and digital onboarding to keep the "Time-to-Competency" as slow as possible.

The Ideal Candidate

• Experience: 12+ years of multi-unit QSR leadership, with at least 5 years at the Director or VP level.
• The "Acquisition" Muscle: Proven track record of integrating M&A targets. You know how to walk into a competitor’s store and turn it into one of your own within a quarter.
• Tech Literacy: Expert-level understanding of 2026 QSR tech (e.g., AI-driven drive-thrus, automated labor scheduling, and unified POS systems).
• Leadership Style: High-accountability, aggressive, and decisive. You aren't a "micromanaging" leader; you are a "system-building" leader.