Executive Director, Operations Innovation

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in the United States, founded in Glendale, California, in 1983. Over the years, the company has expanded its footprint to nearly 2,800 locations worldwide, delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences to millions of customers. Panda Restaurant Group is known not only for its popular food offerings but also for fostering a strong organizational culture centered around family values, inclusiveness, and commitment to improving the lives of its employees and the communities where it operates. The company values innovation and quality in every aspect of its operations, ensuring that customers receive high-quality service and delicious meals in a welcoming environment.

The Executive Director, Operations Innovation role is a critical leadership position within Panda Restaurant Group, reporting directly to the Chief Development Officer. This position is responsible for leading a diverse and talented team to develop, enable, and drive innovative operations initiatives that support the company’s growth and operational excellence. The role demands a strategic thinker with extensive experience in multi-unit restaurant or retail operations, a strong track record of leading innovation, efficiency improvements, and optimization initiatives. This leader will collaborate closely with senior executives across departments such as Operations, Supply Chain, Restaurant Development, Marketing, Product Innovation, Information Systems, Finance, Strategy, and Food Safety Quality Assurance.

Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining new operational standards, processes, equipment, service models, and concept rollouts to drive efficiency and enhance the quality of store-level execution. The Executive Director will establish and lead an Audit team to assess and enforce adherence to operational standards and work with Operations and Human Resources functions to roll out effective training programs for store associates. Additionally, they will lead value-added analytical efforts aimed at optimizing workforce planning, scheduling, productivity improvements, and store-level structural enhancements. The role also demands strong project management skills to integrate and coordinate innovation initiatives from concept through rollout, ensuring each project aligns with company goals.

The position offers a competitive salary range from $205,000 to $288,000 annually, with pay determined based on factors such as location and experience. It also includes a hybrid work schedule and a broad suite of benefits designed to support employee wellness and growth. These include 401K with company match, full medical, dental, and vision insurance, on-site fitness center, paid time off beginning at 15 days, continuous education assistance, income protection options, and various employee discounts.

This role is ideal for candidates who possess at least 12 years of multi-unit operational leadership experience, have a bachelor’s degree, and demonstrated success working with executive leadership or as part of an executive team. The position requires a valid Food Handler’s Card within 30 days of employment and successful completion of required trainings. Panda Restaurant Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued irrespective of their background. They provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process to ensure equity and accessibility.