A study by the National Restaurant Association forecasts that restaurant industry sales in the United States will exceed $1.1 trillion in 2024. With this projected growth, there is likely to be an increase in demand for high-level professionals with strategic planning skills that would drive revenue and growth.
An example of such a professional would be a Director of Restaurant Operations.
[Source: National Restaurant Association]
Directors of Restaurant Operations play a crucial role in the success of a company or establishment. That said, employers and hiring managers looking to attract highly skilled candidates should start by having an accurate and engaging job description.
Read on for our complete guide to writing a Director of Restaurant Operations job description.
Director of Restaurant Operations Job Description Template
Below is a customizable job description template that you can use for your Director of Restaurant Operations job ad. Feel free to copy and edit the duties and responsibilities to suit your needs.
Director of Restaurant Operations Job Overview
[Establishment/Company Name] is seeking an experienced Director of Restaurant Operations to enhance the performance of all our locations within a designated region.
In this role, you will be overseeing the company’s strategic and operational aspects — from menu development and financial management to process improvements and contract negotiations.
Your responsibilities will include guiding the restaurant management staff and Chefs, ensuring their adherence to company processes and systems at the store level. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with the Chief Operating Officer to develop long-term strategies to optimize efficiency and maximize revenue.
The ideal candidate should have senior managerial experience in a multi-unit restaurant and a proven track record of driving results and exceeding performance targets.
If you are passionate about the restaurant industry and committed to delivering excellence, we invite you to apply for the Director of Restaurant Operations position at [Establishment/Company Name].
Salary: $100,000–$115,000/year
Benefits: Bonus plan, paid time off, 401(k)/retirement plan, employee discounts, healthcare coverage, tuition and student loan assistance
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)Director of Restaurant Operations Duties & Responsibilities
- Hire, train and mentor restaurant staff, including managers, supervisors and other team members
- Supervise operational processes and systems, ensuring adherence in every establishment
- Develop and implement cost-effective strategies to achieve revenue targets and profitability goals
- Monitor revenue margins, operating expenses and budgets
- Identify areas for improvement in day-to-day operations to achieve long-term growth and success
- Collaborate with Head Chefs, Under Chefs, Lead Bartenders, Restaurant Managers and other staff members in maintaining and/or updating menu items
- Monitor guest satisfaction and spearhead initiatives to enhance the overall dining experience
- Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers and ensure timely delivery of ingredients and other items
Director of Restaurant Operations Experience Requirements
- Minimum of [Number] years of managerial experience, preferably as a Restaurant General Manager, Executive Chef or similar
Minimum of [Number] years’ overall experience in restaurant operations, preferably in a high-volume establishmentDirector of Restaurant Operations Skills and Abilities
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate employees to perform effectively and efficiently
- Exceptional strategic planning skills to drive success and achieve targets while adapting to changing business demands and market conditions
- In-depth knowledge of all aspects of restaurant operations — including customer service, staff management, food safety and sanitation, menu development and inventory
- Familiarity with laws and regulations related to the industry
- Excellent financial management skills for budgeting, forecasting and cost control as well as analyzing profit and loss statements
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with customers, staff, executives, suppliers and other external stakeholders
- Proactive problem-solving skills in operational and employee matters
- Proficiency in relevant software and tools such as point-of-sale (POS) systems, restaurant management software and data analysis tools like MS Excel
- Foreign language proficiency preferred but not required
Director of Restaurant Operations Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, culinary arts or a related field is highly preferred.
- Certification in food safety and/or alcohol service may be required, depending on local regulations and the specific requirements of the company.
What To Include in a Director of Restaurant Operations Job Description
Thinking of writing your own Director of Restaurant Operations job description from scratch instead?
Here are the nine key sections it should have and what you should include in each.
1. Job title
The job title should accurately represent the scope and level of the role. Additionally, it’s best to keep this simple, considering that most people find opportunities through online platforms that utilize search engines to match potential applicants with the right job openings.
In this case, the most apt job title would be “Director of Restaurant Operations.”
2. Job overview
A well-written job overview provides a brief, detailed summary of the role. It should outline the job’s purpose, level or significance within the company and the top qualities the employer is looking for.
For a Director of Restaurant Operations job description, this section should mention:
- The key function of overseeing all aspects of restaurant operations
- Who the Director of Restaurant Operations will be reporting to
- The importance of having prior managerial experience within the hospitality industry
3. Salary and benefits
This part covers the overall compensation package, which comprises the salary and the benefits and perks.
Most Director of Restaurant Operations jobs give yearly salaries, which is usually the case with most high-level, full-time roles. The salary is reflected either as a range (e.g., $105,000–$115,000 per year) or an estimate (e.g., $110,000 per year).
Pro tip: Check out our Directors of Restaurant Operations salary guide to learn more about how much you should be offering candidates based on your location.
Additionally, this section should mention some (or all) of the benefits and perks the company offers. It may include items like:
- Annual bonus
- Car allowance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Healthcare coverage
- Relocation assistance
4. Schedule
Here is where you specify the type of employment you offer; whether it’s full-time, part-time or project-based.
However, when it comes to most Director of Restaurant Operations positions, it is nearly always full-time. After all, most employers would want to hire someone completely dedicated given the extensive responsibilities of this high-level role.
5. Duties and responsibilities
This section serves as an extension of the job overview, where you will include further details about the role’s duties and responsibilities. Each line item must be well-defined so that candidates have a clear idea of what will be expected of them.
In the case of Directors of Restaurant Operations, this section can enumerate key tasks like “ensuring stores’ adherence to operational processes” and “developing strategies to optimize revenue and efficiency.”
It’s also best to mention here the employees that the Director of Restaurant Operations will be in charge of or working closely with.
6. Experience requirements
For a Director of Restaurant Operations job description, this section should cover both managerial experience and overall hospitality industry experience.
You can either specify the minimum number of years for each experience requirement or a combined number for both requirements.
With most companies, the minimum number of years of managerial experience ranges between three and five years. However, at the end of the day, it’s up to you as a hiring manager to decide on what you’ll require from candidates.
Some employers also indicate more specific requirements — such as “previous experience as a Restaurant General Manager for 10 or more locations” or “prior managerial experience in a luxury establishment.”
7. Skills and abilities
List the necessary skills and abilities you’re looking for in a candidate. These would also help candidates know what qualities they need to succeed in the role.
When it comes to Directors of Restaurant Operations, they must have excellent leadership and communication skills, in-depth knowledge of various aspects of restaurant operations and proficiency in relevant technology.
You may also include items that are a plus but not really required — such as professional-level proficiency in Spanish or another language.
8. Education
Here, state the minimum level of educational attainment.
For most Director of Restaurant Operations job openings in the U.S., the education requirement is typically at least a high school diploma or GED. After all, this shows that a candidate has fundamental literacy and mathematical and communication skills.
Some employers may also be looking for candidates with a post-secondary degree in a relevant field like business administration or hospitality management. However, this is often considered more of a nice-to-have rather than a strict requirement.
9. Details about the workplace
Here, provide details such as the type of company or establishment, its target clientele, its office location and the number of stores that the Director of Restaurant Operations will be overseeing.
If applicable, specify whether or not they will be dividing their time between the corporate office and the restaurants.
While some job ads mention the company or establishment name, others keep it confidential. Either way, a Director of Restaurant Operations candidate must have enough details about their potential work setting to see if their experience and preferences align with it.
You may also include a short summary of the company culture and values to further encourage job seekers to apply.
Tips for Writing a Director of Restaurant Operations Job Description
So, you finally know what information to include in your Directors of Restaurant Operations job description.
However, before you start writing, here are some important tips to keep in mind — especially when hiring for such senior-level roles.
- Avoid redundant items: Requirements like “willingness to work late hours and holidays” and “familiarity with industry trends” are considered basic expectations for leadership roles. Hence, it is unnecessary to include such requirements in a Director of Restaurant Operations job description.
- Emphasize strategic leadership: A Director of Restaurant Operations job description must include sentences or phrases that highlight the importance of strategic thinking to achieve goals and objectives which is crucial to the role. For example, you can add “develop strategic initiatives based on consumer trends to drive business growth” under the job overview or the duties and responsibilities section.
- Ensure clarity and brevity: As with any job description, candidates must be able to easily understand the key information about the role, so make sure your job description is clear and concise.
Similar Roles in Restaurant and Hospitality
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s highly recommended to hire a Director of Restaurant Operations. They will position your establishment or company for long-term success within the competitive hospitality industry.
A qualified Director of Restaurant Operations brings strategic leadership to help you achieve business objectives. They also provide operational expertise in all aspects of restaurant management, from training and guiding all staff to optimizing financial performance and maintaining quality standards.
Although candidates with prior experience as a Director of Restaurant Operations (or other senior management roles) are highly preferable, those without such experience should not be automatically dismissed.
For example: You’re looking for a Director of Restaurant Operations to handle multiple fast-food outlets in a major metropolitan area and one of the candidates previously worked as a Restaurant Manager for several other fast-food chains. They might be worth considering if they demonstrated potential for higher-level leadership positions and in-depth knowledge of restaurant operations during the interview process.
Some companies or establishments have a different job title equivalent to a Director of Restaurant Operations. Here are some of the most common alternative job titles:
- Director of Food and Beverage
- Dining Services Director
- Restaurant Operations Head
- Director of Restaurants
- Director of Food Services
- Restaurant Operations Director
A Director of Restaurant Operations resume should typically be around two to three pages. This allows enough space for candidates to highlight their relevant experience, skills and accomplishments.
Their resume must effectively showcase their suitability for the Director of Restaurant Operations role without overwhelming the employer or recruiter with too many details.
