Area Operations Manager Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

About YouAs an Area Manager, you are responsible for the overall restaurant performance within an assigned area, generally 5 -12 restaurants depending on various factors. You lead all area restaurant operations, local marketing initiatives, and the recruitment, development and coaching of your restaurant managers. You are also accountable for the success of the area by following Noodles & Company guidelines, policies and procedures. Ultimately, you build sales and profit while maintaining high operating standards.This role is based in the Des Moines area and supports restaurants throughout Iowa.

About Noodles

At Noodles & Company, we believe great food can spark meaningful connections. That's why we're on a mission to reintroduce the world to noodles-not just as a meal, but as an experience worth craving. As we evolve our brand to meet the modern guest, we're focused on creating moments that surprise, delight, and shift perceptions of what fast-casual can be.

Every bowl we serve is rooted in global flavors, fresh ingredients, and intentional hospitality that makes guests feel seen and valued. Our values-We Care, We Show Pride, We Are Passionate, and We Love Life-guide how we show up for our guests, our team members, and each other.

BenefitsCareers at Noodles are served with a side of:

• Pay range: $83,000-$100,000 annual salary
• Eligible for quarterly performance bonus
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and stock purchase discounts
• Paid maternity and paternity leaves, adoption, and surrogacy benefits
• Noodles Resource Groups - inclusive communities that foster belonging, build connections, and support your personal and professional growth
• Scholarship opportunities through Noodles Foundation
• Monthly technology stipend
• Discounts through our gift card program
• Learn more about our benefits: https://www.noodles.com/careers/perks

Day in the Life

• Provide guidance and leadership in the delivery of outstanding guest experience, culinary operations, labor scheduling, inventory management, restaurant marketing and restaurant P&L.
• Plan, identify, communicate and delegate responsibilities throughout the area to ensure excellent operations are consistently achieved.
• Lead the area in the implementation of company initiatives by working with the Regional Directors of Operations and Regional Support Team on action plans and timelines.
• Generate area sales growth by developing strategic short- and long-term marketing plans, ensuring the restaurants consistently deliver a positive guest experience, and executing local restaurant marketing initiatives.
• Constantly review area operations and related reports to identify problems, concerns and opportunities for improvement and implement solutions.
• Manage the area P&L by tracking expenses vs. annual budget, analyzing variances and initiating corrective action.
• Ensure the area follows Noodles & Company's operational policies and procedures.
• Develop area succession plan by evaluating open opportunities, assessing internal talent and leading recruiting efforts.
• Provide coaching and feedback to restaurant managers and assess performance on an ongoing basis.
• Partner with restaurant managers to set personal development goals in order to build their skills and abilities for career progression.
• Lead a positive team environment by recognizing and reinforcing individual and restaurant accomplishments.
• Challenges and inspires restaurant management team to achieve business results.
• Coach restaurant managers in team member recruiting, development, performance management, and retention in order to ensure the restaurant is properly staffed, turnover goals are met, and succession planning is in place.
• Lead the area with integrity and knowledge that promotes the culture and beliefs of Noodles & Company.
• Lead area succession planning by identifying talent internally and externally and developing that talent into restaurant leaders.

What You Bring to the Team

• Minimum of five years of prior restaurant experience including strong single-unit performance and some experience leading/managing multi-unit initiatives.
• Ability to achieve results through leadership and management of others.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach and mentor restaurant managers.
• Must have experience in delegation, holding others accountable, business planning and communicating across a dispersed group of restaurant managers.
• Strong time management skills
• Demonstrated expertise in hiring and staffing, training and the on-going management of a multi-lingual restaurant staff is required.
• Strong delegation experience including holding others accountable, business planning and communicating across a dispersed group of restaurant managers.
• Ability to effectively handle and manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Articulate and solid communicator with effective presentation skills
• Demonstrated management of all applicable restaurant regulatory areas, to include employee safety, food safety, HAACP, wage & hour, immigration, etc.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• This is a field-based role located in Iowa supporting our restaurants throughout the state, with travel required up to 75%. We're seeking candidates who either reside locally or are open to relocating to the Des Moines, Iowa.

Noodles & Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Military Friendly workplace. We encourage Veterans and their spouses to apply. We are proud to be recognized on Forbes' Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes' Best Employers for Women, and Forbes' Best Employers for Company Culture lists, and are committed to creating a workplace where Noodlers feel supported, respected, and able to bring their full self to work. 

Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by role, but all positions at Noodles & Company remain open for applications for at least 3 days from the posting date. This role is currently open and accepting applications.