5+ years of management experience in the food service industry
QSR management experience with strong financial acumen
Proven supervisory, coaching, and leadership skills
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Strong time management abilities across various shifts
Familiarity with food safety and handling guidelines
Willingness to travel 40-50% of the time, primarily field-based
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
Responsibilities
Establish and execute sales goals with Restaurant General Managers
Serve as the subject matter expert for brand systems and equipment
Train teams on operational excellence initiatives and brand compliance
Support smooth openings of new restaurants with effective training
Provide tools for Restaurant Managers to control labor and food costs
Develop a culture of food safety and brand standards
Engage restaurant teams in action plans based on traveler feedback
Benefits
Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
401(k) with Company Match
20% Annual Bonus
Company Vehicle
Earned Wage Access - Pay on Demand
Education Assistance
Employee Referral Bonus
Pet Insurance
Full Job Description
Benefits You Receive
Applegreen offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health and financial well-being of our associates and families. Available benefits include a variety of company-sponsored and voluntary options such as:
Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
401 (k) with Company Match
20% Annual Bonus
Company Vehicle
Earned Wage Access - Pay on Demand
Education Assistance
Employee Referral Bonus
Pet Insurance
What You'll Do
The Brand Champion is responsible for leading the overall operations of a specific food brand business, focusing on operational excellence, and building profitable top line sales. This role is part of the Plaza Operations Food Brand team, helping to establish goals and direction for the business.
This position will support locations primarily along the NY State Thruway, reporting to the Vice President, Operations and work closely with the Food Brand/Commercial Team to ensure full brand compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
Establish clear sales goals with each Restaurant General Manager. Create and execute effective action plans and conduct follow-up visits that drive accountability.
Be the subject matter expert for assigned brand systems, equipment, and facilities.
Work with Brand Director to train the team and develop training restaurants
Train and support teams on any operational excellence initiatives within the brand ensuring full brand compliance and training is implemented as per our brand partner's guidelines.
Train and support the best possible opening teams in the smooth opening of any new restaurants
Provide and train systems & tools that enable Restaurant Managers to control labor, prevent loss, manage food cost, and deliver traveler experience to established targets.
Ensure effective execution and training of any LTO's or NPD.
Develop a culture of excellence in food safety and brand standards - make a difference on every visit.
Lead by example and promote an environment where the Restaurant Managers and Associates understand there is a sense of urgency to satisfy each traveler. Teach, coach, and develop them on how to exceed traveler expectations with speed, product quality and hospitality that leads to increased traveler satisfaction.
Review traveler feedback and engage the restaurant team in developing action plans to improve the traveler experience.
Monitor each restaurant team to make sure they are following and using training tools to foster consistent knowledge and drive deliverables.
Support participation for the Restaurant Managers at all learning programs so they are continuously learning skills that lead to operational excellence.
Provide ongoing feedback to Restaurant Managers and Associates through frequent communication. Recognize achievements and resolve concerns in a timely manner.
Develop high performing leadership teams through rigorous selection, training, and ongoing professional development. Ensure there is a succession plan in place for GM's
Coach the Restaurant Managers on how to hire, train and develop the best people and plan staffing levels to meet guests and business needs that drive results.
Advise and assist Plaza Directors on achieving excellent customer food experiences.
Develop mutually beneficial relationships with local Franchisor support personnel.
Core Competencies:
Customer Focus - ensure our customer's expectations are exceeded
Passion for People and good communicator - Enjoy coaching and training people and developing leaders. All delivered in a positive way that encourages growth of the people and the business
Attention to detail - Ensure we are finding opportunities to improve on every visit
Build Effective Teams - get the right people in the right places, enabling them to make decisions and celebrate success as a team.
Develop Direct Reports and Others - provide honest feedback to Associates and Restaurant Managers, actively coaching and supporting them to achieve personal and professional goals.
Interpersonal Relationships and Influence - build relationships and appropriately uses influence to get things done, gains the trust and support of colleagues and direct reports.
Required Skills/Abilities:
5+ years Management experience
QSR Management experience with strong financial business acumen (sales/profit/margin)
Strong supervisory, coaching and leadership skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on customer service.
Excellent time management skills and ability to work across all shifts.
Familiarity with food handling, safety, and other restaurant guidelines.
Willingness to travel 40-50% is required. This role is field-based and requires visiting plaza locations at least 4 days per week. It is not an office-based position.
Strong communication skills
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
