Area Director

About the role

This is primarily a field-based position (75% of time) requiring the selected candidate to reside within the Tennessee market (ideally Nashville, TN) and regularly support the TN market and additionally KY and AL. P.F. Chang's is a leader in the restaurant industry, dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and innovation. The Area Director (known as the Market Partner) oversees multiple restaurants within a designated market, driving sales growth and ensuring operational excellence. This leader ensures alignment with our corporate vision and maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.

Responsibilities

• Lead restaurants in delivering personalized, guest-centric experiences tailored to the local market.
• Guide teams in achieving KPIs, EBITDA targets, and cost-control goals.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards, health codes, and safety protocols through regular site visits.
• Partner with Operating Partners to launch innovative sales strategies and drive revenue.
• Analyze market trends to adjust tactics and stay ahead of the curve.
• Champion upselling, marketing initiatives, and service strategies to grow top-line sales.
• Set strategic direction for the market that aligns with company goals.
• Monitor restaurant performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Mentor Operating Partners and support their development into senior leadership roles.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding of new management trainees to ensure long-term success.
• Promote a strong, unified culture of excellence, integrity, and innovation across locations.
• Support recruiting, training, and team building across all restaurants in the market.
• Provide consistent coaching and feedback to elevate team performance.
• Assist with conflict resolution and employee relations to maintain a positive work environment.

Qualifications

• Requires extensive experience in multi-restaurant leadership in a full-service restaurant company in a polished/upscale casual dining restaurant company.
• Strong passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences with a guest-centric mindset.
• Proven track record in driving sales growth and achieving KPIs.
• Strong financial acumen and proficiency in POS and corporate software systems.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
• Prior experience in opening restaurants is strongly preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a restaurant environment, occasionally in an office and remote (home).
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the role, including prolonged standing, walking, and other physical tasks, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to travel extensively - up to 75% of the time.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and 401(K) starting on the 1st of the month following the hire date.
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time: 20 days per calendar year for full-time Global Support Center team members, prorated for new hires.
• Paid Holidays: 12 company-selected holidays plus 2 floating holidays per year.
• Competitive Pay & Performance Incentives: Annual bonuses based on Company performance.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement for job related programs.
• Lucky Cat Meal Card: Preloaded meal card for use at any corporate-owned P.F. Chang's location.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access exclusive employee discounts.
• Supportive Community: Financial assistance through the Lucky Cat Fund during hardships for qualifying team members.