Area Director of Operations

Overview

We are seeking to hire a dynamic and strategic Area Director of Operations to lead multiple restaurant locations within our organization. The Area Director will oversee ++multiple Swahili Village locations,++ maintaining operational excellence, financial performance, and alignment with company culture and values. They act as the primary liaison between the corporate office and the restaurants, fostering clear communication, supporting company initiatives, and executing strategic priorities seamlessly.

This role focuses on developing General Managers (GMs) while driving growth, guest experience, and team engagement.

• Guest Experience & Brand Standards
• Operational Excellence
• Leadership & Team Development
• Financial Performance & Business Growth
• Communication & Collaboration
• Community & Culture

• General Managers of 3 Restaurants

• Owner/Corporate

• Minimum 3 years experience as a Director or Vice President
• Experience in multi-unit operations. Minimum 3 stores
• Ability to deal with significant operational and procedural challenges within an organization
• Champion of change management, aggressively seeking out opportunities to improve business and team performance, with a history of effective execution of initiatives
• Strong Understanding of P&L and the impact of operations on financial performance
• Works in an organized and process-driven manner embracing complexity and structure
• Able to work in groups and as an individual
• Ability to recognize opportunities and drive solutions to organizational issues, both at the store level as well as above-store level
• Proven excellence in effective communication
• History of developing others into leaders and brand ambassadors
• Willingness to immerse themselves in learning about Kenyan and East African culture

• Champion the Swahili Village mission and brand at all time
• Gather and analyze guest and team feedback to drive continuous improvement
• Uphold brand identity and ensure alignment with our Core Values and drive performance against key business metrics

• Drive consistency in food quality, service standards, and overall guest experience across all locations
• Develop, implement, and uphold best practices and standard operating procedures across locations to maximize efficiency and execution
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and labor regulations per state/national standards
• Partner with the Marketing and Culinary teams to maintain product integrity and innovation
• Triage when necessary to ensure optimal restaurant performance

• Provide guidance, mentorship, training, and accountability for GMs and their leadership teams
• Foster a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and professional growth, utilizing Swahili Village training collateral and assets
• Support hiring, training, and talent development to maintain a high-performing team
• Ensure strong communication and collaboration between locations and leadership

• Own financial results across multiple locations, including sales, COGS, labor, and operating income
  
  Work with GMs to achieve budgetary and key business driver goals
• Identify revenue growth opportunities and cost-control strategies without compromising quality or culture
• Support expansion efforts, new location openings, and strategic initiatives

• Serve as the primary link between ownership, leadership, and store-level teams
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with GMs, providing regular feedback and support
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (culinary, marketing, HR, etc.) to align on company objectives

• Act as a cultural ambassador, ensuring that Swahili Village’s Mission and Core Values remain at the heart of daily operations
• Drive engagement initiatives that support team morale and retention

• Review Daily Flash Report
• Call each unit to check in and verify staffing, product, and equipment needs are met, and the store is on track for a smooth opening. Confirm any catering or large format orders, and verify the team is…