Position Summary:

Join Peachtree Partners as the Vice President of Operations and lead the growth and operational excellence of our IHOP restaurants across multiple markets nationwide. This field-based executive role is responsible for ensuring that every restaurant delivers exceptional hospitality, financial performance, and team engagement aligned with our purpose and values. You’ll partner closely with the CEO and the Culture & People team to strengthen leadership capability, operational consistency, and the “You SHINE, We SHINE” performance culture. The ideal candidate is a strategic operator and culture-builder — skilled at developing high-performing Regional Directors and scaling systems that drive sustainable results.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute operational strategies that align with Peachtree Partners’ business objectives, purpose, and S.H.I.N.E. values: Selfless Service, Heroic Courage, Impressive Results, Nurturing Generosity, and Exceptional Work Ethic.
• Partner with the CEO to define growth plans, performance priorities, and market expansion strategies.
• Ensure all operational initiatives support Peachtree’s purpose of creating meaningful connections with people, partners, and communities.

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee day-to-day operations across all IHOP restaurants, ensuring adherence to brand standards, service excellence, food quality, and cleanliness.
• Establish systems that enhance operational consistency, productivity, and performance across markets.
• Champion the “You SHINE, We SHINE” performance management framework, ensuring RDOs and their teams embrace a coaching culture rooted in accountability, recognition, and results.
• Leverage analytics and KPIs to identify trends, address challenges, and continuously improve guest experience and operational performance.

Financial and Business Performance:

• Lead full P&L management for all IHOP markets; ensure financial goals are met through disciplined planning, forecasting, and cost control.
• Partner with Finance and IT to evaluate business performance metrics and identify opportunities for margin growth and operational efficiency.
• Review market performance regularly with RDOs to drive accountability and ensure alignment with company targets.

Leadership Development and Talent Management:

• Develop, coach, and empower Regional Directors of Operations to serve as effective field leaders and talent multipliers.
• Model and facilitate development through: One-on-One Coaching Sessions, Quarterly Business Reviews, Talent Reviews (in partnership with Culture & People), and Performance Calibration Meetings.
• Partner with the Culture & People team to align leadership development, training, and succession strategies with company growth needs. Build a leadership culture that values transparency, collaboration, and development at every level of operations.

Brand Stewardship and Collaboration:

• Serve as the senior operations liaison with IHOP Corporate on brand initiatives, marketing activations, operational programs, and system updates.
• Ensure consistent execution of IHOP promotional campaigns in partnership with the brand’s marketing team.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments, particularly Culture & People, Finance, IT, and Facilities, to ensure seamless operational execution. Support Training & Development initiatives under Culture & People, ensuring alignment with brand standards and operational priorities.

Growth and Expansion:

• Lead operational readiness for new IHOP restaurant openings, remodels, and market integrations.
• Ensure new units launch successfully with trained leadership, consistent processes, and strong alignment to Peachtree’s culture.
• Contribute operational insights to acquisition and development planning.

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure all IHOP locations maintain compliance with brand, federal, and state regulations, including health, food safety, and labor laws.
• Promote a proactive safety culture and ensure all incidents are properly reported and addressed.
• Uphold ethical standards and model integrity in decision-making and leadership practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of multi-unit restaurant operations experience within full-service dining, with at least 5 years in senior leadership (RDO/VP) capacity.
• Proven success driving top-line sales growth and bottom-line results in a franchise or corporate full-service environment.
• Deep understanding of IHOP or comparable full-service brand operations preferred.
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in P&L management, forecasting, and margin improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through others, develop leaders, and scale talent across multiple markets.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management skills with executives, franchise partners, and field teams.
• Highly adaptable, strategic, and action-oriented with strong business judgment.

Competencies:

• Adaptability
• Continuous Learning
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Results Driven
• Creative Problem-Solving

Skills:

• Multi-Unit Full-Service Operations Leadership
• Strategic Planning and Execution
• Financial & Operational Performance Management
• Field Leadership & RDO Development
• Guest Experience Excellence
• Brand Compliance and Quality Assurance
• Franchise Relationship Management
• Market Expansion and New Openings
• Coaching & Talent Development Culture

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel 60–70% nationwide to visit IHOP markets and support field teams.
• Ability to work extended hours, including weekends, based on business needs.
• Comfortable working in restaurant environments for observation and coaching.
• Occasionally lift or carry up to 20 lbs.
• Manual dexterity for laptop, mobile device, and office equipment use.