Operations Partner, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, US Central

Job Summary

The Manager, Operations Partner is responsible for driving operational excellence and performance across franchise organizations within a designated market. This role collaborates with franchise leadership teams to optimize operational performance, enhance guest experience, and uphold brand standards.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Conduct structured operational assessments across assigned restaurants.

• Coach restaurant general managers (RGM) and leadership teams on critical drivers of guest satisfaction: speed of service, order accuracy, food quality, hospitality, cleanliness, and safety.

• Observe service routines and deliver immediate, constructive feedback.

• Track execution against bottom-performer routines and other operational frameworks, ensuring compliance with brand standards.

• Use guest satisfaction surveys, operations scores, and guest complaint data to identify underperforming restaurants.

• Partner with restaurant leaders to implement action plans that directly improve guest outcomes.

• Deliver in-restaurant coaching and training for Managers and District Managers.

• Support the rollout of new operations initiatives, technology, or training programs.

• Reinforce Popeyes Academy learning with live, practical application in the restaurant.

• Build capability in RGMs and shift leaders to sustain improvements beyond your visit.

• Partner with FBP to align restaurant-level operations coaching with broader franchise business plans.

• Provide monthly updates to FBP on progress within assigned restaurants, highlighting commitments, follow-ups, and results.

• Escalate persistent performance issues, ensuring support from Ops Services leadership.

• Document findings, monitor corrective action, and track guest experience KPIs.

• Join restaurant visits with FBPs, share operational insights, and align coaching plans with business priorities.

• Prepare visit reports, update tracking systems, and maintain communication with Field & Ops Services leadership.

• Participate in FBP-led business reviews when operations improvement is the top priority, presenting operational insights and progress updates.

• Conduct deep-dive operations reviews with underperforming restaurants, escalating chronic issues as needed.

• Support systemwide initiatives (NRO support, Elevate rollouts, seed training for brand initiatives).

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or a related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in operations, preferably in multi-unit management within QSR, retail, or a similar industry.
• Strong business and financial acumen with a proven ability to analyze, interpret, and improve financial and operational metrics.
• Skilled in root-cause problem-solving methodologies and able to apply these in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with franchisees and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with data analytics tools is an asset.
• Willingness to travel within the assigned region and accommodate a flexible schedule to meet operational needs, including occasional evenings and weekends.