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.
