Director, Restaurant Operations

Dine Brands Global

2d • $140,000 - $160,000

About The Position

The Director of Operations is responsible for full operational and financial performance of a company‑owned region of Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants. This role provides strategic planning, leadership, and direction to Area Directors and Restaurant Management teams to achieve operational excellence, drive profitability, deliver superior guest experiences, and ensure full execution of all corporate initiatives. As a company‑owned leader, this position directly influences staffing, facilities, capital planning, and execution standards across all locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 10+ years of senior multi-unit leadership experience in casual dining or family dining; minimum 3–5 years at Director level.
• Strong knowledge of P&L management, financial analysis, and ROI modeling.
• Proven ability to lead large field teams, including hiring, development, and performance management of multi-unit leaders.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel up to 50%.

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Company Execution: Directly supervise Area Directors and restaurant leadership, ensuring consistent execution of standards across all company-owned restaurants. Conduct frequent restaurant visits to verify operational excellence, food safety, sanitation, and guest service performance. Ensure accountability for all KPIs across the region, including people and guest metrics, sales, throughput, profitability, food safety, and brand standards. Oversee execution of corporate menu launches, marketing campaigns, and enterprise initiatives to ensure targeted business results. Manage through unusual events to maintain continuity and uphold corporate operating standards.
• People Leadership, Staffing, & Talent Development: Interview, hire, train, and develop Area Directors and restaurant management as part of a full, company‑controlled staffing pipeline. Ensure full leadership staffing across all restaurants and maintain succession plans for AD and GM roles, supporting diversity representation. Provide performance feedback, coaching, and disciplinary action in alignment with company policies and values. Build leadership capability to deliver strong guest service and operational performance across every company-owned location.
• Financial Management & Company-Controlled P&L Oversight: Analyze regional financial reports, identify trends, and lead corrective action to improve performance. Partner with Area Directors to drive sales, manage controllable costs, and maximize profitability within company‑owned restaurants. Participate in capital planning processes for new equipment, remodels, and facility upgrades to optimize ROI and ensure company assets are upheld. Provide input into setting financial targets and business plans for company operations.
• Facilities, Projects & Asset Management: Partner with Facilities and Operations leadership to manage regional projects, remodels, and equipment investment for all corporate-owned units. Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget, supported by strong operational alignment and readiness. Support portfolio optimization and asset management decisions in collaboration with Operations and Facilities teams.
• Cross-Functional Corporate Partnerships: Coordinate closely with HR, Marketing, Finance, and Training to support company-owned operations and execute business priorities. Filter communications to Area Directors, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness in cascading corporate initiatives. Provide operational insights to influence corporate strategy, KPIs, and enterprise performance goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager