Job Description

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 $130,000
• Bonus: 20%
• Comprehensive health benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Generous paid time off program including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and parental leave
• Additional perks such as dining discounts, life and disability coverage, wellness initiatives, leadership development programs, and more

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