Director of Operations

Benefits:

• Bonus based on performance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
  
  
  

The Director of Operations is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day operational leadership of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice’s 19 company-owned locations in Orlando (15), Jacksonville (2) and Tampa Bay (2). This role oversees a team of Area Managers and Associate Area Managers and is accountable for store performance, team development, guest satisfaction, and execution of brand standards. This position plays a critical role in leading and driving sustained performance improvement. This position will also serve on the senior leadership team (Management Team) and as the representative voice of corporate stores on the Jeremiah’s Franchisee Advisory Council (JFAC).

This is a full-time, Orlando-based position that requires flexibility in schedule, including possible early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. The role operates across office, field, and in-store environments, with occasional non-standard hours based on business needs.

In the first 60-90 days in this role, this individual will asked to analyze/assess every aspect of Jeremiah’s company stores’ performance (organizational structure, talent capability, financial performance, facility condition, guest experience, off-premise sales, local store marketing, etc.) in order to recommend a plan for improving store-level profitability and elevating the guest experience.

Essential Functions

• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and performance management to Area Managers, Associate Area Managers and General Managers overseeing 19 corporate stores.
• Develop and implement strategic and tactical plans to improve operational performance, sales/profitability, and the guest experience.
• Constantly analyze key performance indicators, operational reports, and financial data to drive performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure alignment with brand standards, values, and operational procedures across all company-operated stores.
• Collaborate with internal departments including Training, Marketing, Supply Chain, Accounting/Finance, and HR to ensure seamless support and consistency in execution.
• Support the development of field leadership talent, succession planning, and retention strategies across store management.
• Maintain a strong presence in the field with regular travel across company-owned markets to coach teams, assess performance, and build relationships.
• Responsible for performance evaluations, talent development, and disciplinary actions within the field leadership team.
• Collaborate with Accounting/Finance and the CEO to develop operational budgets, sales forecasts, labor planning models and capital expenditures budget for the company store portfolio.
• Oversee compliance with all health, safety, and employment regulations in company stores, working closely with the Management Team to ensure standards are understood and maintained.
• Support the successful roll-out of brand-wide marketing, LTOs, training, and cultural programs at the store level, ensuring alignment and accountability across the field.
• Manage the team’s execution of tests of new products, equipment or procedures and provide feedback back the management team
• Oversee key vendor relationships related to operations, facilities, and maintenance for corporate stores; ensure timely resolution of issues and support cost management.
• Model Jeremiah’s values and culture across all leadership interactions, developing a sense of community, ownership, and excitement within the field teams.
• Oversee or support operational responses to emergencies, incidents, or disruptions, ensuring business continuity and guest safety.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive multi-unit leadership experience in quick service restaurants, foodservice, or franchise operations.
• Proven track record of operational/financial turnarounds, developing high-performing teams, and driving business results in a multi-location environment.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong financial acumen with ability to analyze P&Ls, labor metrics, and inventory controls.
• Excellent leadership and team development skills, with ability to coach both strategic and frontline leaders.
• Demonstrate effectiveness with leading, developing, motivating and retaining teenage talent
• Effective communicator and cross-functional collaborator.
• Highly organized and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about guest experience, brand integrity, and operational excellence.
• Strong knowledge of franchise systems and field operations preferred.
  
  
  

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to travel frequently within the Orlando area and surrounding markets.
• Must be able to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods; bend, kneel, twist, and lift up to 50 pounds; tolerate exposure to varying temperatures and noise levels.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements with arms, hands, and wrists.
• Ability to express or exchange ideas verbally and perceive sound by ear.
• Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and ability to work with hand above shoulders.
• Ability to occasionally, regularly, frequently move objects (lift, push, pull, balance, carry) up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to turn or twist body parts in a circular motion.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to heat, cold, chemicals, and loud/noisy environment.