Director of Operations - North Orange County

Cotti Foods is a well-established restaurant operator that has been serving quality dining experiences since 1967. The company began its journey with the acquisition of a single Taco Bell restaurant in Southern California and has since expanded its portfolio to include Wendy's in 2014 and Pieology in 2015. Today, Cotti Foods proudly operates over 200 restaurants across six states, demonstrating substantial growth and a strong presence in the fast-food and quick service industry. The company is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and strong community ties, making it a prominent player in the foodservice sector. Located in the vibrant Southern California region, Cotti Foods continuously seeks to enhance its operational effectiveness and maintain its reputation for quality and service excellence.

We are currently looking for a Director of Operations to lead our Taco Bell teams in the North Orange County area. This role is pivotal to the ongoing success of our restaurant operations, overseeing more than 30 Taco Bell locations in the Southern California region. The Director of Operations will be responsible for ensuring that each store meets and exceeds performance targets related to food quality, labor efficiency, operational compliance, customer satisfaction, and speed of service. This individual will be entrusted with coaching and developing District Managers and Area Coaches, fostering a people-first culture that drives both team performance and employee engagement. The position requires an enthusiastic leader with strong decision-making skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for operational excellence.

Responsibilities include conducting daily visits to restaurants to engage with teams, evaluate performance, and address operational challenges. The Director of Operations will also play a critical role in strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to promote profitability and sustained growth. Managing relationships with external vendors and partners, overseeing customer support processes, and facilitating organizational communication through consistent updates and cascades are also essential parts of this role. Candidates must demonstrate a capacity for multitasking and prioritization, as they will handle diverse administrative duties alongside frontline leadership.

The ideal candidate will possess at least 2-3 years of successful high-volume operational management experience within the Quick Service Restaurant or retail environment. They should be a dynamic, energetic, and positive leader capable of inspiring a strong sense of accountability and ownership throughout their teams. This role demands a minimum of a 50-hour workweek commitment and the physical ability to lift between 10 and 40 pounds, as well as to stand and walk for extended periods during restaurant visits. If you are a proactive leader driven to achieve outstanding results while nurturing a positive workplace culture, we invite you to apply and contribute to the continued success of Cotti Foods.