VP – Restaurant Excellence

Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries, franchises restaurants under Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP® and Fuzzy's Taco Shop® brands. With over 3,500 restaurants combined in 18 countries and 354 franchisees as of December 31, 2023, Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company's website located at www.dinebrands.com.

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven VP Restaurant Excellence to oversee and optimize the operational efficiency of our restaurants and improve our team member experience. This executive role is critical to the growth and success of our brand, focusing on labor optimization, speed improvements, equipment analysis, team members training and franchisee support. This individual will work closely with the brand president and other executives to execute strategic initiatives, improve system-wide performance, and ensure consistency across our franchise system.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Excellence

• Develop and implement systems and processes that drive operational efficiency across all locations in the system
• Ensure consistency in service quality, food safety, and customer experience in alignment with brand standards
• Analyze operational workflows to identify opportunities for speed and efficiency, leveraging technology where applicable

2. Labor Optimization

• Evaluate labor models to optimize staffing levels while maintaining excellent service quality
• Develop training programs that enhance employee productivity and retention
• Monitor and manage labor costs across the franchise network

3. Speed and Efficiency Improvements

• Implement strategies to reduce preparation, cook, and service times without compromising quality standards
• Utilize technology and analytics (e.g. time & motion) to streamline front-of-house and back-of-house operations
• Lead initiatives to improve off-premise platforms (e.g. delivery, catering)

4. Equipment and Technology Analysis

• Assess equipment performance and ROI to ensure cost-effective investments for the system
• Evaluate and work with technology to implement technology that improves operational efficiency
• Develop maintenance schedules and guidelines to minimize downtime and repair costs

5. Franchisee Support and Collaboration

• Act as a liaison between corporate and franchisees, ensuring clear communication and alignment of goals
• Provide operational guidance and support to franchisees to train and deploy best practices across the system
• Monitor franchise compliance with corporate standards and provide corrective action plans as necessary

6. Strategic Leadership:

• Contribute to the company’s growth strategy by identifying and executing operational initiatives
• Analyze key performance metrics to provide insights and recommendations to the executive team
• Drive innovation in operational practices to maintain a competitive edge in the industry and drive growth for the brand

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field (MBA preferred)
• 10+ years of senior operational leadership experience in the restaurant industry
• Expertise in process improvement, labor deployment and management, and cost optimization
• High level of proficiency in operational technology and software solutions for the restaurant industry
• Proven experience working within a franchise system highly desirable
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Target base salary range 230k-250k depending on experience

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Dine Brands Global strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act and/or other applicable laws and regulations in other jurisdictions.

Dine Brands reviews criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment. The following is a list of all material job duties which Dine Brands reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: conduct necessary due diligence on business opportunities and transactions; analyze and handle confidential, proprietary, trade secret and non-public financial information belonging to the company and third parties.

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