Operations Excellence Specialist
We’re hiring! AFCFC is seeking a highly motivated Opertions Excellence Specialist to join our team!
About Us
Since 1986, we’ve been redefining fresh and convenient dining as North America’s largest franchisor of supermarket-based food service counters featuring sushi and other authentic Asian-inspired cuisine. Our well-loved brands, ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi and Wild Blue Sushi, are trusted names that bring flavor and freshness to communities every day.
With thousands of locations across the U.S. and Canada, we’ve built our reputation on quality, consistency, and innovation. Every dish we serve is freshly prepared with premium ingredients carefully packaged and designed for today’s on-the-go lifestyle.
As the industry leader, we’re passionate about delivering the perfect balance of taste, quality, and convenience. But what truly sets us apart is our people, the dedicated teams who bring our mission to life each day.
If you’re looking to grow with a company that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement, we invite you to join us and shape the future of fresh dining.
Purpose of the Position:
The Operations Excellence Specialist (OES) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustained success and profitability of Zenshi franchises. This role focuses on mentoring and guiding franchisees to master Zenshi's operational, financial, and marketing frameworks, thereby ensuring consistent excellence across all locations. The OEC is also responsible for enforcing Zenshi’s policies, particularly those outlined in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and maintaining rigorous food safety standards. Through strategic visits and comprehensive documentation, the OEC will support franchisees in achieving year-over-year (YOY) sales growth and enhancing overall brand success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Franchisee Development:
- Provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to franchisees to help them master Zenshi’s financial, operational, and marketing models. Ensure franchisees are equipped to drive consistent operational excellence and achieve sales targets.
- Policy Enforcement:
- Enforce all company policies and procedures as outlined in the FDD through regular field visits and detailed documentation. Ensure that food safety standards are consistently upheld across all franchise locations.
- Operational Support:
- Support franchisees in translating strategic plans into actionable sales activities. Monitor market trends and assist in developing strategies to optimize sales potential and implement advantageous pricing strategies.
- Financial Acumen:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of P&L statements, cash flow, and EBITDA. Identify and communicate financial opportunities to franchisees to improve profitability.
- Relationship Building:
- Cultivate strong relationships with franchisees, fostering a collaborative environment. Use effective communication and positive influence to motivate and hold franchisees accountable to Zenshi’s standards.
- Travel:
- This role requires up to 80% travel to various franchise locations and assignment sites to provide hands-on support, ensure compliance with company standards, and support operational excellence wherever needed
Qualifications:
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Hospitality, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience:
- Must have Sushi making experince
- A minimum of 2-3 years of experience years of management or supervisory experience, preferably in sushi, restaurant, food service, franchise operations, or multi-unit operations environments.
- Skills:
- Strong ability to build relationships and communicate effectively.
- Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and financial analysis skills.
- Proven track record in leading, motivating, and holding teams accountable.
- Demonstrated flexibility, emotional resilience, and adaptability.
- Superior organizational, prioritization, and project management abilities.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Additional Requirements:
- Ability to translate strategic planning into effective sales activities.
- In-depth knowledge of market trends and how to leverage them for business growth.
- Strong understanding of P&L management and the ability to communicate financial insights clearly.
- Commitment to achieving operational excellence through active franchisee involvement.
Physical Demands
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 40 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation
What’s On the Menu for You? (Compensation & Benefits)
We don’t just serve fresh sushi, we serve fresh opportunities!
Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
-Competitive Pay Package (see salary range listed)
-Annual Bonus Opportunity (Discretionary) – up to 5% of base salary
-Extended Health Insurance (Prescription Drugs, Extended Health, Vision Care, Dental, Life and AD&D -100% covered by AFC for employee only coverage)
-Paid Vacation & Paid Holidays including a Floating Holiday to celebrate your birthday
-Special Employee Anniversary Milestone Gift
-Employee Referral Bonus
A friendly & positive work culture which inspires collaboration, recognizes accomplishments, and fosters continuous growth, creating not just a workplace, but a community where people truly thrive.
About Zenshi:
Zenshi® is a privately held company based in Torrance, California. We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), vacation, and personal time off.
AI Disclosure: We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen or assess candidates in this hiring process
Vacancy Status: This posting is new vacancy.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not require Canadian work experience. Relevant international experience will be considered.
Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process due to a disability, please contact our HR team, and we will work with you to meet your needs at [email protected].
#AFCIndeed
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $76,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Winnipeg, MB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- How many years of experience do you have in franchisee development?
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:
- general manager: 5 years (preferred)
- Food industry: 5 years (required)
- Microsoft Office: 3 years (required)
- Leadership: 3 years (required)
- Sushi Making: 3 years (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
