The Operations Support Coach serves as a business consultant responsible for supporting operator growth, operational execution, food quality, food safety, and guest experience through consistent execution of KKC brand standards. This role serves as a field-based operational partner focused on post-opening performance, ongoing operational success, and continuous improvement across an assigned business unit.
This role requires strong coaching, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced field environment.
The ideal candidate is operationally strong, highly organized, adaptable, and capable of influencing Operators and store teams through effective coaching, follow-through, and execution support.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive same-store sales growth, profitability, operational performance, and guest experience by coaching Operators on food quality, merchandising, packaging, promotions, labor efficiency, and operational execution.
- Conduct scheduled store visits to assess operational performance, reinforce brand standards, review business results, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), identify trends and performance gaps, and partner with Operators on action plans to improve operational results.
- Document operational strengths, opportunities, follow-up actions, and store visit observations while maintaining clear communication with Operators and leadership teams.
- Provide ongoing onsite coaching and training for Operators and store employees using the most current Operations Execution Manual and approved KKC training materials.
- Support Operators with operational challenges including food quality concerns, product credits, equipment issues, guest concerns, and service escalations.
- Reinforce compliance with food safety standards, sanitation practices, operational procedures, and company expectations.
- Demonstrate and coach best practices related to food preparation, holding procedures, cleanliness, point-of-sale systems, back-office procedures, and operational routines.
- Use Salesforce and/or other approved business systems to document store activity, monitor follow-up actions, track opportunities, and support cross-functional communication.
- Partner closely with Store Opening teams to support smooth transition from opening through stabilization and long-term operational growth.
- Execute operational priorities and initiatives in alignment with direction from Regional Operations Leaders and cross-functional partners.
- Participate in business unit planning and operational alignment discussions to ensure consistent execution across assigned markets.
- Support operational execution at food shows, training events, and field initiatives as assigned.
- Assist Store Opening teams with pre-opening and opening support activities as directed by leadership.
- Build strong relationships with Operators and store teams through regular communication, coaching, support, and follow-through.
- Maintain professionalism, integrity, accountability, and commitment to company values and brand standards during all operator interactions.
- Current ServSafe Food Manager Certification, or ability to obtain within the first 60 days.
- 3-5 years of restaurant, convenience store, retail, or foodservice operations experience; multi-unit, franchise, or license support experience preferred.
- Strong operational knowledge including food safety, sanitation, merchandising, labor management, guest experience, point-of-sale systems, and back-office procedures.
- Strong coaching, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze operational performance, prioritize opportunities, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently in a field-based environment while maintaining strong communication and accountability.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, and other business systems preferred.
- Ability to travel up to 80%, including overnight and air travel. Evening and weekend travel may be required.
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to meet company travel requirements.
- Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, drive for long periods, bend, twist, and work on ladders.
- Must reside within assigned business unit.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong business acumen and operational problem-solving capability.
- Ability to influence Operators and store teams through effective coaching, communication, and follow-through.
- Ability to analyze business performance data and develop actionable operational improvement plans.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
- Ability to maintain strong cross-functional partnerships and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure while managing multiple projects and operational priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Wellness Program
- Unlimited Paid Time Off
- Ongoing Team Member Development