Job Description
Job Description
Position : Area Director
Location : Charlotte, NC
Compensation : $120,000 - $130,000 + 20% bonus potential
We are conducting a confidential search for an experienced Area Director to join a growing, culinary-driven restaurant group recognized for its commitment to operational excellence, guest experience, and leadership development. This is a key multi-unit leadership role responsible for driving performance, culture, and brand growth, while mentoring General Managers to deliver consistent execution and results.
The Area Director will serve as both a brand ambassador and brand builder to strengthen performance in existing markets and leading expansion into new ones. This is an opportunity for a hands-on, strategic operator who thrives in dynamic environments and excels at developing people and improving operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide direct oversight, coaching, and accountability of company goals, processes, and results across multiple restaurant locations.
- Develop and mentor General Managers, instilling brand standards and reinforcing operational excellence through consistent follow-up and field presence.
- Lead through General Managers. Set clear expectations, evaluate performance, and drive accountability to financial, operational, and cultural goals.
- Achieve sales and profitability targets while identifying opportunities to improve guest experience and team engagement.
- Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Training, Finance, and Marketing to optimize performance and brand consistency.
- Build and stabilize teams in emerging or high-turnover markets by cultivating strong leadership pipelines.
- Act as a brand ambassador in local markets to build community visibility and strengthen brand reputation.
- Support new restaurant openings and market entries, ensuring readiness, training, and operational alignment.
- Maintain high standards of food quality, service, and presentation in collaboration with culinary leadership.
- Model an entrepreneurial mindset—balancing adherence to brand systems with the agility to adapt locally and innovate thoughtfully.
Ideal Candidate Profile
3+ years of multi-unit leadership experience in upscale casual or culinary-driven fast-casual concepts .Proven success in developing and mentoring General Managers, instilling brand standards, and elevating operational performance across multiple locations.Strong track record of building and strengthening brands in emerging or growth markets ; experienced as both a brand ambassador and brand builder.Demonstrated ability to manage challenging markets or underperforming regions, driving measurable improvement and achieving stretch budgets.Experienced in leading through GMs, coaching performance, and holding teams accountable to results.Background in corporate restaurant operations preferred; prior experience as an Area Director or Regional GM spanning multiple cities a plus.Skilled operator with strong financial acumen and command of P&L management.Demonstrated success in opening or scaling new locations, understanding market entry and growth dynamics.Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and capable of balancing brand standards with local innovation.Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary : $120,000 to $130,000Bonus : 20%Comprehensive health benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage401(k) retirement savings plan with company matchGenerous paid time off program including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and parental leaveAdditional perks such as dining discounts, life and disability coverage, wellness initiatives, leadership development programs, and more