Role Overview for COO – Franchise Restaurant Brand
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a dynamic and rapidly expanding franchise restaurant brand in their search for a visionary and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO). This is a pivotal executive leadership role for an individual with a profound understanding of the franchise restaurant landscape and a passion for driving scalable growth and operational excellence. The incoming COO will serve as the strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer, taking full ownership of the company’s operational engine. You will be responsible for translating the brand’s vision into actionable strategies that ensure consistency, quality, and profitability across our entire network of franchise locations.
We are seeking a leader who is not just a manager, but a builder. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of scaling a multi-unit restaurant concept, fostering a culture of high performance, and building robust systems and processes that support rapid expansion. You will be the key architect of our operational framework, responsible for everything from supply chain logistics and new store openings to franchisee relations and technology implementation. This role requires a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, and hands-on operational expertise. You must be comfortable diving deep into the details of unit-level economics while simultaneously steering the high-level operational strategy for the entire organization. If you are a transformative leader ready to make a significant impact on a beloved and growing brand, we invite you to apply.
This executive position is based in our corporate headquarters in Dallas, TX, and will require regular travel to franchise locations nationwide. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our brand, ensuring that as we grow, we continue to deliver the exceptional experience our customers have come to love. You will lead a dedicated team of operations professionals and work collaboratively across all departments, including marketing, finance, and development, to achieve our ambitious growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities of COO – Franchise Restaurant Brand
The Chief Operating Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, focusing on strategic leadership, operational execution, and franchisee success.
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- In partnership with the CEO and executive team, develop and execute the long-term operational strategy to support aggressive growth targets and enhance brand equity.
- Translate strategic plans into clear, actionable operational initiatives, setting key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and drive accountability across the organization.
- Oversee all day-to-day operations of the company, ensuring efficiency, quality, service, and cleanliness standards are met or exceeded in every location.
- Lead the development and implementation of scalable systems, processes, and infrastructure to support a growing franchise network, including supply chain, distribution, and inventory management.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, constantly seeking opportunities to optimize workflows, reduce costs, and enhance the guest experience.
Franchise Performance & Support
- Act as the primary operational liaison for the franchise community, fostering strong, collaborative, and trusting relationships with all franchise partners.
- Develop and implement comprehensive support systems for franchisees, including robust training programs, operational manuals, marketing support, and performance coaching.
- Establish and monitor performance benchmarks for franchise units, analyzing P&L statements, sales data, and operational audits to identify areas for improvement.
- Lead the field operations team to provide world-class support and guidance to franchisees, ensuring brand consistency and helping them maximize their profitability and success.
- Play a key role in the new franchisee onboarding process, ensuring a smooth transition from signing to grand opening and beyond.
Financial Management & Growth
- Take full P&L responsibility for company-owned and overall system-wide operational performance.
- Develop and manage the annual operations budget, providing accurate forecasting, variance analysis, and strategic recommendations to the executive team.
- Identify and implement cost-control measures and efficiency improvements to drive margin expansion at both the corporate and unit levels.
- Collaborate with the development team to create a strategic and sustainable plan for new unit openings, overseeing the entire process from site selection support to construction and launch.
- Analyze market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities for innovation in menu development, service models, and technology.
Team & Culture Development
- Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations leadership team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
- Provide clear direction and inspiring leadership to the entire operations department, from corporate staff to field support teams.
- Champion the brand’s values and mission, ensuring they are embedded in all operational practices and communications.
Requirements for the COO – Franchise Restaurant Brand
The ideal candidate will be an experienced and accomplished operational leader with a deep passion for the restaurant industry and a proven ability to lead a franchise system through a period of significant growth.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in multi-unit restaurant operations, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive role (e.g., COO, SVP/VP of Operations) within a fast-casual or QSR franchise system.
Proven Scalability
Demonstrated success in scaling a restaurant brand from a regional to a national footprint is highly desirable. Experience managing a system of 100+ units is strongly preferred.
Franchise Expertise
Deep, nuanced understanding of the franchisee-franchisor relationship. Proven ability to build consensus and drive alignment within a diverse franchise community.
Financial Acumen
Expert-level P&L management skills with a strong command of unit-level economics, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to inspire and motivate teams at all levels of the organization. A true servant leader.
Strategic Thinker
Data-driven decision-maker with the ability to think strategically and execute methodically. Capable of balancing long-term vision with short-term operational needs.
Industry Knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of current restaurant industry standards, trends, technologies, and best practices.
Travel
Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of the time to visit franchise locations, meet with partners, and attend industry events.
Benefits & Perks Offered
We believe in taking care of the people who drive our success. We offer a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package for this executive-level role, including:
Competitive Executive Salary
A compelling base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Performance-Based Bonus
A significant annual bonus structure tied to the achievement of key individual and company-wide performance goals.
Equity Participation
A meaningful equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity to share directly in the long-term value you help create.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
A flexible and generous paid time off policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
A budget for continuing education, executive coaching, industry conferences, and professional memberships to support your growth.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
Additional Perks
Company-provided technology, expense account for travel, and of course, meal allowances to enjoy our fantastic food.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative operational leader with the experience and passion to drive a thriving restaurant franchise to the next level, we want to hear from you. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy.
For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners Hospitality Executive Search practice. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exciting opportunity in more detail. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
