Operations Manager

Operations Manager Zankou Chicken - South Bay Pasadena, CA Job Details Full-time $24 - $26 an hour 3 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Flexible schedule Qualifications Operations management Inventory management Food hygiene Team development Hiring Full Job Description Who We Are Zankou Chicken is a family-owned, fast-casual Mediterranean brand built on tradition, quality, and heart. What began as a small family restaurant has grown into one of Southern California's most loved brands — and we're just getting started. Everything we do is guided by a clear vision: Our Vision To create the best fast-casual experience in Taste, Convenience, and Value — inspiring excellence worldwide. That vision comes to life through our four pillars: 1. Perfect Product 2. Fast 3. Amazing Atmosphere 4. 5-Star Hospitality We're building a brand that delivers on these pillars every day, in every restaurant, and in every guest interaction. The Role The Operations Manager is responsible for supporting the General Manager in leading day-to-day restaurant operations while delivering exceptional hospitality, operational excellence, and strong financial performance. This role is accountable for running effective shifts, leading and developing team members, protecting profitability, ensuring food quality, and maintaining compliance with all company standards and legal requirements. The ideal candidate is a hands-on hospitality leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, leads with accountability, and is passionate about food quality and team development. Key Responsibilities Shift Leadership & Operations

• Lead and execute high-performing shifts that drive same store sales, operational excellence, and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure the restaurant operates efficiently while maintaining Zankou Chicken standards for hospitality, cleanliness, food quality, and speed of service.
• Deploy team members effectively to ensure the right people are in the right positions at the right times.
• Actively manage shift flow, labor deployment, and operational priorities throughout each shift.
• Serve as a visible and engaged floor leader during peak business periods. Financial & Business Management
• Support the achievement of restaurant financial goals including sales, labor management, and protection of Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).
• Monitor labor usage and staffing levels to support profitability while maintaining hospitality and operational standards.
• Support inventory controls and operational processes that minimize waste and protect product quality.
• Assist with order placement and inventory management to ensure proper product levels and operational readiness. Food Quality & Execution
• Ensure all recipes, food preparation procedures, and presentation standards are executed consistently and correctly.
• Conduct and oversee line checks to verify food quality, freshness, and readiness standards.
• Protect the integrity of Zankou Chicken's culinary standards and guest experience.
• Partner with kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver consistent execution across all shifts. Training & Team Development
• Support all aspects of the team member lifecycle including hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, and separations.
• Own and champion the restaurant's training and development culture.
• Ensure team members receive effective onboarding and ongoing operational training.
• Provide consistent coaching, feedback, and recognition to develop strong individual and team performance.
• Help create a positive, accountable, and hospitality-focused work environment. Safety & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, food safety standards, labor laws, and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment for both guests and team members.
• Ensure all required safety and food safety procedures are followed consistently.
• Support accident prevention and operational risk management initiatives. Leadership & Culture
• Serve as an active and collaborative member of the store leadership team.
• Support the General Manager in building a culture rooted in hospitality, accountability, operational discipline, and respect.
• Lead by example and uphold the values and standards of Zankou Chicken.
• Foster strong communication and teamwork across all restaurant departments. Qualifications
• Previous restaurant leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of restaurant operations and shift execution.
• Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong communication, coaching, and organizational skills.
• Basic understanding of labor management, inventory, and restaurant financial performance.
• Passion for hospitality, team development, and food quality.
• Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Success in This Role Looks Like
• Consistently strong shift execution and guest experience
• Well-trained and properly deployed teams
• Strong operational discipline and compliance
• Effective labor and cost management
• High food quality standards
• Positive team culture and leadership presence Why Join Zankou?
• Be part of an iconic and growing Southern California brand
• Work directly with the CEO and executive leadership team
• Opportunity to shape and elevate a beloved brand at scale
• Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits (including 95% employer-paid medical)
• Free delicious and healthy meals
• Opportunity to build something meaningful and lasting

Pay:

$24.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person