The Store Opening Leader (West / East) is responsible for leading end-to-end New Store Openings (NSOs) and ensuring each location is operationally ready to open on time, on brand, and to standard. This role provides direct leadership for the Store Opening Team, setting priorities, deploying resources, coaching performance, and ensuring consistent execution across all openings. The Store Opening Leader partners closely with cross-functional teams (Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Training, HR, Marketing, IT) to deliver a consistent operator and guest experience from day one. The Store Opening Leader is an exceptional planner and facilitator of learning and change, able to solve problems quickly, communicate clearly, and manage multiple openings and priorities simultaneously. 

Lead, develop, and manage the Store Opening Team (East / West), including hiring/selection support, onboarding, scheduling/deployment, coaching, performance management, and team engagement. 

• Own the NSO portfolio plan (as applicable) and individual opening project plans from handoff through opening and stabilization, including milestones, risks, dependencies, and go/no-go readiness. 
• Set clear expectations and standard work for store openings (checklists, readiness criteria, training plans, and communication routines) and ensure the team executes consistently. 
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure each site is staffed, trained, equipped, connected and stocked prior to opening 
• Regularly align with Regional Sales Leaders (RSLs) and Market Development Representatives (MDRs) on pre-opening readiness activities and follow-up with teams on hand-off and opportunities: opening checklist completion, equipment validation, small wares/food ordering, vendor coordination, and implementation of brand standards. 
• Oversee training and onboarding execution for each opening ensuring certification, readiness, and consistent guest experience behaviors; provide coaching and escalation support to the team. 
• Identify performance gaps and lead re-training/re-certification support for recently opened and existing sites as needed, partnering with Operations Leaders and L&D to sustain standards. 
• Coordinate the rollout of systems, products, and promotions tied to opening (technology, delivery platforms, menu/promo execution), removing blockers and resolving issues quickly. 
• Provide leadership oversight for opening week execution by setting the operating plan and success criteria, directing Store Opening Team deployment, aligning cross-functional support, and ensuring standards are met for safety, cleanliness, food quality, and service. 
• Establish and track opening success metrics (e.g. food safety, guest service, guest feedback, training completion, sales, cases, pounds) and lead after-action reviews to improve future openings. 
• Ensure post-opening stabilization and transition: close readiness gaps, reinforce standards, hand off sustained ownership to operations, and maintain clear communication and documentation for all stakeholders 

High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred (Operations, Business, Hospitality, or related field). 

• ServSafe Food Manager Certification (Current or to be obtained withing the first 60 days) 
• 5+ years of experience in restaurant/retail operations, training, and/or new store opening support (multi-unit preferred). 
• 5+ years of direct people-management experience, including coaching, performance management, and leading teams through change. 
• Experience leading a team of at least 10 direct reports in a decentralized work environment across a large section of the country. 
• Demonstrated project management skills (planning, scheduling, risk/issue management, and cross-functional coordination) with the ability to lead teams to deadlines. 
• Strong facilitation and training capability; able to coach teams and drive adoption of standards and processes. 
• Working knowledge of store systems and operational routines (labor, inventory, waste, food safety, cleanliness, and guest experience). 
• Comfortable using common business tools (email, spreadsheets, documents) and learning new systems quickly. 
• Ability to travel extensively and work a flexible schedule around openings (including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed). Travel required up to 80% of the time, including air travel. Candidate will work the remining time out of their home. 
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company travel requirements. 

 Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Wellness Program
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Ongoing Team Member Development