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Job description
Job Description
Regional Director of Operations (RDO)
Who We Are
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and the Wendy's family is no exception! At Wendy's, powered by HAZA Foods , we believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment where leaders thrive, teams grow, and guests feel at home. As one of the largest Wendy's franchise operators in the U.S., we are committed to quality, opportunity, and success—both in our restaurants and for our people.
The Regional Director of Operations (RDO) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple markets within an assigned region. This executive leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, financial performance, talent development, and execution of Company initiatives through the leadership of Directors of Operations (DAOs). The Regional Director partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional departments to ensure consistent execution of Company standards while delivering exceptional guest experiences and sustainable business growth.
This position requires frequent travel throughout the assigned region to support operations, develop leaders, conduct business reviews, assess restaurant performance, and ensure operational consistency across all assigned markets.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute regional operational strategies aligned with Company objectives.
Drive long-term growth, profitability, and operational excellence across all assigned markets.
Partner with executive leadership to establish regional priorities and business initiatives.
Lead organizational change and ensure successful execution of strategic initiatives.
Operational Excellence
Provide leadership and oversight for multiple Directors of Operations and their respective markets.
Ensure consistent execution of Wendy's brand standards, operational procedures, and Company policies.
Conduct regular market visits to evaluate restaurant performance and operational compliance.
Identify operational opportunities and implement best practices across the region.
Promote continuous improvement through coaching and operational accountability.
Oversee regional financial performance, including:
Profitability
Labor management
Food cost
EBITDA performance
Analyze financial reports and key performance indicators to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
Ensure accountability for inventory management, cash controls, and loss prevention.
Develop action plans to improve underperforming markets.
Leadership Development
Recruit, develop, coach, and mentor Directors of Operations.
Build leadership pipelines and succession plans for key operational positions.
Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide coaching and developmental feedback.
Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
Support leadership development initiatives across all levels of restaurant management.
Talent Management
Partner with Human Resources on:
Talent acquisition
Employee relations
Performance management
Succession planning
Promote employee engagement and retention initiatives.
Ensure Company policies are consistently applied throughout the region.
Guest Experience & Brand Standards
Ensure restaurants consistently deliver exceptional guest service and food quality.
Monitor guest satisfaction metrics and implement corrective action plans when necessary.
Ensure compliance with Wendy's operational standards and brand expectations.
Support initiatives that enhance customer loyalty and overall guest experience.
Marketing & Business Growth
Partner with Marketing to execute regional promotional campaigns.
Identify local business opportunities to increase sales and market share.
Monitor competitive activity and adjust operational strategies accordingly.
Support new restaurant openings, remodels, acquisitions, and market expansions.
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Promote a culture of safety, ethics, and integrity.
Ensure restaurants maintain compliance with:
Food safety standards
Wage and hour regulations
Partner with Legal, Human Resources, Risk Management, and Loss Prevention on investigations and compliance matters.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, Training, Marketing, Facilities, Technology, and Supply Chain teams.
Support Company initiatives and ensure successful implementation throughout the region.
Communicate organizational priorities and operational expectations to market leadership.
Lead regional meetings and business reviews.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field required.
Master's degree preferred.
Experience
Minimum 10–15 years of progressive restaurant operations experience.
Minimum 5–7 years leading multi-unit operations.
Previous experience overseeing Directors of Operations or equivalent senior operational leadership preferred.
Proven success managing large, geographically dispersed restaurant operations.
Skills
Executive-level leadership and people development skills.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing large operational budgets.
Exceptional strategic planning and business analysis capabilities.
Excellent communication, coaching, and presentation skills.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Knowledge of restaurant technology, operational systems, and reporting tools.
Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated ability to build high-performing organizations.
Working Conditions
Frequent regional travel is required , including regular visits to restaurants, market offices, training events, business reviews, and leadership meetings.
Overnight travel is expected based on business needs.
Must possess a valid driver's license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and have reliable transportation.
This position may require working evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to effectively lead during high-pressure situations while maintaining professionalism and sound business judgment.
Compensation
Competitive executive-level salary based on experience.
Performance-based incentive and bonus opportunities.
Medical
Vision
Life Insurance
Disability Coverage
401(k) with Company match (if applicable)
Paid time off and Company holidays.
Vehicle allowance or mileage reimbursement (if applicable).
Company-issued technology and business expense reimbursement.
Professional development and executive leadership opportunities.
Conclusion
As the Regional Director of Operations , you serve as a key executive leader responsible for the operational, financial, and cultural success of multiple markets across your assigned region. Through strategic leadership, operational excellence, financial stewardship, and talent development, you will lead Directors of Operations to achieve exceptional business results while maintaining the highest standards of guest service, food quality, employee engagement, and operational integrity. Your leadership will directly influence the continued growth, profitability, and long-term success of HAZA Foods .
The Company reserves the right to conduct a background check of its employees, and your employment may be conditioned on satisfactory results. HAZA Foods is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Who can apply
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