Director of Operations - Growing restaurant brand.

This will be a hands-on, entrepreneurial position starting at the ground floor, initially operating a restaurant and eventually supporting franchise partners, leading new restaurant openings across Canada,
Gecko Hospitality is conducting a confidential search for a Director of Operations to lead restaurant performance and support the Canadian expansion of a growing rapid-casual brand. Reporting directly to the President, you will oversee company-operated restaurants, coach franchise partners, lead new restaurant openings and develop the operating systems needed for continued growth.
This is a hands-on opportunity for a restaurant leader who enjoys building teams, improving profitability and turning plans into action. Youll join at the ground floor, initially operating a restaurant and establishing the foundation for growth. As the brand expands, your role will evolve to supporting franchise partners and leading new restaurant openings across Canada, spending significant time in restaurants alongside General Managers and their teams.

What Youll Lead
Restaurant Performance & Team Development
Lead company-operated restaurants and coach General Managers to deliver robust financial and operational results.
Review P&Ls;, sales, labour, food costs and guest experience metrics; develop action plans that improve performance.
Support management recruitment, training, retention and leadership development.
Conduct regular restaurant visits and maintain consistent food safety, service and brand standards.
New Restaurant Openings
Lead operational readiness,



training and execution for new company and franchised locations.
Coordinate equipment, inventory, supplies and pre-opening requirements with franchisees, development teams and vendors.
Provide hands-on support before, during and after opening.
Build a consistent opening process that improves with each new location.
Franchise Support
Build trusted relationships with franchise owners and their management teams.
Coach franchisees on staffing, inventory, food costs, guest experience and restaurant profitability.
Conduct operational reviews, establish explicit action plans and follow through on results.
Systems & Growth
Develop practical processes for reporting, field visits, training, franchise support and performance management.
Work with leadership on budgets, business planning and operational priorities.
Support restaurant-level marketing execution, promotions and new product launches.
Help resolve supplier, distributor and equipment issues.
Help recruit and develop the operations team as the Canadian business expands.
What You Bring
7+ years of progressive restaurant operations experience, preferably in QSR, fast casual or another multi-unit restaurant environment.




Significant multi-unit leadership experience with responsibility for General Managers and restaurant performance.
Experience opening restaurants and training teams.
Strong knowledge of restaurant P&Ls;, labour management, food costs, inventory and unit economics.
A proven ability to coach leaders, solve operational problems and improve results.
Strong communication, organization and relationship-building skills.
Confidence working independently in an entrepreneurial business with an evolving support structure.
A valid drivers licence and the ability to travel regularly.
Experience supporting franchisees is strongly preferred.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Direct access to the Senior Leadership and meaningful input into operational decisions.
The opportunity to build processes, develop people and shape Canadian growth.
Broad responsibility across company operations, franchise support and new openings.
The opportunity to build an operations team and take on increasing leadership responsibility as the business grows.
Paid vacation and reimbursement of approved business travel expenses.
Base Salary: $90,000 $110,000, depending on experience
Bonus: 20% annual target bonus, based on individual and company performance
Work Arrangement: Field-based and office
Travel: Regular travel across Canada, primarily Ontario initially

Apply with your resume and a brief overview of your multi-unit leadership, restaurant opening and franchise support experience.
This search is being conducted confidentially by Gecko Hospitality.

📌 Director of Operations - Restaurant (Toronto)
🏢 Gecko Hospitality
📍 Toronto