Head of Operations - Restaurant Operations

Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead a regional restaurant portfolio. The successful candidate will drive profitability, operational consistency and customer satisfaction while developing district managers and coordinating regional support functions.

• Lead, coach and manage district managers across a geographically dispersed restaurant portfolio.
• Take accountability for regional profit and loss, sales growth, gross profit, labour costs, stock control and restaurant profitability.
• Prepare regional budgets, forecasts and operational performance reports.
• Identify underperforming restaurants and implement measurable turnaround plans.
• Conduct regular restaurant visits to assess performance, support management teams and address operational gaps.
• Ensure consistent operating standards, food safety, health and safety, and legislative compliance.
• Monitor customer satisfaction, service delivery and audit results, ensuring corrective actions are completed.
• Coordinate maintenance, loss prevention, training, marketing, development and employee relations priorities.
• Oversee operational readiness for new restaurant openings and the implementation of new products, systems and campaigns.
• Work with franchise and joint-venture partners to maintain operating standards.
• Develop succession plans and build a pipeline of future operational leaders.

• Degree or diploma in Hospitality, Retail, Business Management or a related field.
• A postgraduate business qualification would be advantageous.
• At least 8 years experience in quick-service restaurants, multi-unit hospitality or retail operations.
• At least 3 years experience leading 8 or more district or area managers across a region.
• Proven success in turning around underperforming restaurants.
• Experience working with franchise or joint-venture partners.
• Strong understanding of restaurant profit and loss, food and packaging costs, labour productivity and stock variances.
• Experience managing employee relations and bargaining council matters.
• Working knowledge of labour legislation, occupational health and safety, and food safety requirements.
• Strong budgeting, analytical, leadership and performance management skills.
• Excellent English communication skills; an additional South African language would be advantageous.
• Valid drivers licence and willingness to travel extensively.