A Director of Restaurant Operations plays a crucial role in the success of a company or establishment. That said, an accurate and engaging Director of Restaurant Operations job description is essential to attracting top candidates.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a Director of Restaurant Operations job description and what key information to include.
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 lead our highly skilled team.
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 Restaurant Managers 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 evaluate 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, 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 the restaurant industry, 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 relating 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
Director of Restaurant Operations Education & Qualifications
- 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.
How To Write a Job Description
An effective job description offers detailed information on the role’s duties, responsibilities and requirements. It should always answer these questions: “What are the tasks performed by employees in this position?” and “What are the expectations from the restaurant/company?”
Below are the important tips for writing job descriptions, especially when hiring for senior-level roles like Directors of Restaurant Operations.
- Ensure clarity and brevity: Candidates must be able to easily understand the key information about the role, so make sure your job description is clear and concise.
- 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.
- Specify key duties and responsibilities: Given that the scope of work for Directors of Restaurant Operations varies per company or establishment, your job description should clarify the teams or departments that they will be in charge of as well as their regular tasks.
- Indicate details about the workplace: While some job ads mention the company or establishment name, others keep it confidential. Either way, a Director of Restaurant Operations candidate must have a general idea of the size, type and target market of the company or establishment to see if their experience aligns with the role.
- Avoid vague or generic phrases: Give candidates a detailed overview of the role’s day-to-day responsibilities by providing enough context and using descriptive action words. For example, instead of simply writing “handle all aspects of restaurant operations” (which sounds ambiguous), you can say “monitor all aspects of restaurant operations, including food safety procedures, logistics and supply chain management and menu development.”
- Include the benefits and perks: While you don’t have to list every benefit and perk, it’s best to include some of these in your Director of Restaurant Operations job description. Many candidates will also want to know about other parts of the compensation package when deciding whether or not to apply.
Related: How To Write a Job Description
What To Include in Your Director of Restaurant Operations Job Description
Here are the nine sections your Director of Restaurant Operations job description template should have.
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.”
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
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.”
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.
Additionally, you may 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.”
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.
Education
Here, state the minimum level of educational attainment. For most Director of Restaurant Operations job descriptions in the United States, the education requirement is typically at least a high school diploma or GED.
However, some employers may be looking for candidates with a post-secondary degree in a relevant field like business administration, hospitality management or culinary arts.
Preferred Qualifications
Mention additional qualifications that are not mandatory but could significantly improve the candidate’s chances of getting hired.
In the case of Directors of Restaurant Operations job descriptions, this section often includes:
- Valid food safety license or certification
- Post-graduate course or executive program in food and beverage operations, hospitality leadership or similar
- Foreign language proficiency
Salary and Benefits
This section covers the overall compensation package, which comprises the salary and the benefits and perks.
Director of Restaurant Operations jobs typically give yearly salaries, which is the case with most high-level, full-time roles. The salary is reflected either as a range or an estimate.
To give you an idea of how much Directors of Restaurant Operations typically earn in major U.S. cities, take a look at the chart below.
Annual mean wage
$102,694
Annual mean wage
$110,220
Annual mean wage
$101,125
Annual mean wage
$109,566
[Calculated using Talent.com, Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter data]
Additionally, this section should mention some (or all) of the non-monetary benefits and perks the company offers. It may include an annual bonus, car allowance, tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance and healthcare coverage.
Details About the Workplace
Here, provide details such as the type of company or establishment, its target clientele, its office location and the number of stores that the Director of Restaurant Operations will be overseeing. If applicable, specify whether or not they will be dividing their time between the corporate office and the restaurants.
These details give candidates a clearer picture of what their potential work setting will be like.
You may also include a short summary of the company culture and values to further encourage jobseekers to apply.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Director of Restaurant Operations Job Description
The guide below outlines the steps to take and items to include when crafting a Director of Restaurant Operations job description for your ad.
Director of Restaurant Operations | [Establishment/Company Name]
Company: [Name of Establishment or Company]
Location: [City, State]
About [Establishment/Company Name]
Write a short description of your establishment and/or company. Briefly talk about your values, mission statement and specialty menu items.
Director of Restaurant Operations Job Overview
Provide a short summary that describes the role of a Director of Restaurant Operations within your establishment and/or company. Additionally, briefly mention some of the key responsibilities you expect them to perform and the essential skills and qualities to thrive in the role.
This section should also state the proposed salary, benefits and the type of employment you are offering.
Salary: [$/hour/year]
Benefits: Enumerate the non-monetary benefits and perks
Schedule: [full-time or part-time]
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide a detailed list of the duties and responsibilities a Director of Restaurant Operations is expected to perform, as well as the employees they will be in charge of.
Experience Requirements
Specify the minimum amount of both managerial experience and overall hospitality industry experience.
Skills and Abilities
List the top skills and abilities that a Director of Restaurant Operations must have to succeed in the role.
Education and Preferred Qualifications
Indicate both requirements and preferences regarding the educational background, training, certifications and other qualifications for the position.
Contact Information
Include the essential contact information for candidates to inquire further and/or submit their applications.
Contact Person:
Contact Email Address:
Contact Phone Number:
Director of Restaurant Operations Certifications & Courses
To better understand what additional qualifications to include in your Director of Restaurant Operations job description, here is a list of reputable organizations and institutions that offer relevant certifications and courses.
| Organization/Institution | Certification/Course | Description |
|---|---|---|
| American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) | Certified Food and Beverage Executive | A specialized certification for management- or executive-level professionals in F&B or culinary operations |
| ServSuccess | Certified Restaurant Manager | Focuses on fundamental skills needed to be an effective Director of Restaurant Operations, such as staff management, marketing strategy, purchasing and cost control |
| Cornell University (via eCornell) | Hospitality Leadership | An online certificate program catered to senior-leadership employees; covers organizational strategy and industry trends and includes networking sessions |
| Università Bocconi (via Coursera) | Food & Beverage Management Course | An online course with certification ideal for aspiring Directors of Restaurant Operations looking to enhance their food marketing skills |
| Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management | Operations Strategy Executive Program | A three-day, on-site program geared towards senior-level employees in charge of strategy and operations |
Director of Restaurant Operations Salary
According to the most recent data averaged from Talent.com, Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter, the average base salary for a Director of Restaurant Operations in the U.S. is $102,697 a year.
Average Director of Restaurant Operations Base Salary:
Director of Restaurant Operations Salary Across the US
To help you establish a competitive salary for your job ad, here is an overview of Director of Restaurant Operations salaries throughout the country.
[Calculated using Salary.com, Indeed and ZipRecruiter data]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
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Director of Restaurant Operations Job Description FAQ
It’s highly recommended to have a Director of Restaurant Operations, as 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 role) 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.
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.
