JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and direction for Keke’s Breakfast Cafe across all locations. This role oversees Area Leaders and ensures operational excellence through consistent execution of brand standards, guest experience, and financial performance. The Senior Director of Operations champions a culture rooted in Keke’s guiding principles — People First, Be Bold, Own It, Win Together — while driving the growth and success of the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Key Responsibilities)

• Lead, develop, and support Area Operations Leaders to drive consistent performance, accountability, and operational excellence across company owned cafes
• Oversee day-to-day field operations, ensuring cafes meet or exceed goals for sales, profitability, labor, food cost, and guest satisfaction
• Drive continuous improvement in operational processes, standards, and guest service models for both company and franchise cafes
• Ensure all cafes deliver exceptional breakfast experiences aligned with Keke’s brand standards and values.
• Champion a People First culture by fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment for team members.
• Own the implementation of operational strategies, initiatives, and action plans across the business, with a focus on measurable outcomes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Marketing, Training, and other partners to support company initiatives and change efforts.
• Conduct operational reviews and audits to ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, brand, and legal standards.
• Build strong succession plans by identifying and developing future leaders within the operations team.
• Analyze performance data and metrics to proactively identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and drive results.
• Promote collaboration and shared success, living out Keke’s principle of Win Together across all operational teams.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in multi-unit restaurant operations; breakfast or casual dining preferred

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Demonstrated success in leading and developing Area Leaders (District Managers)
• Proven ability to achieve financial, guest service, and operational goals in a multi-unit environment
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills to interpret performance data and drive decisions
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing through change and leading strategic initiatives
• Ability to travel regularly to support field operations (approximately 50%)
• Ability to effectively multitask and juggle competing priorities in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or related field preferred (equivalent experience considered)

Reports To
President, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

 

The typical pay range for this role is:

Minimum:$142,000.00 - Maximum:$195,800.00

Please note that this range represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade within which the position falls. This job posting is not a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee as the actual pay will take into account a range of factors, including location and experience.

Keke's Breakfast Cafe is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law. 

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should contact 864-597-8000. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THIS NUMBER TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION.

Keke's Breakfast Cafe participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please contact the DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify.  Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.