Area Director Of Operations | Emerging Wine Bar with Culinary Focus

Full Time
posted today

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




Job Information

Offered Salary
120k/year - 130k/year