Area Director Of Operations | Emerging Wine Bar with Culinary Focus
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