Proud to be 100% Canadian-owned, Northland Properties' are recognized as one of the most trusted names in hotels, restaurants, resorts, sports, construction, and asset management. Our well-known and loved brands have been bringing people together to celebrate unforgettable experiences across Canada, the US, Ireland, and the UK for over 50 years. As Canada’s fastest-growing hospitality group, we believe the foundation of our continued success is our people and their ability to take great care of our guests.
The Role
As a result of our recent acquisition, we have very exciting growth plans, Denny’s Canada is seeking a newly created Vice President, Operations role for the Canadian market.
Reporting to the President & Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President, Operations, Denny’s Canada oversees the company’s strategic vision as it relates to operating plans and standards and takes the lead in their execution.
As a seasoned leader, the successful candidate is self-motivated, driven by results, and able to work effectively with both people and details. This is a role for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed.
The Vice President of Operations is involved in all aspects of operations strategy and execution, inspires Regional Operations Managers to drive team engagement and deliver the Perfect Guest Experience, and achieves results primarily through the ability to lead and develop others.
Key Accountabilities:
- Achieve Operational KPI’s, Sales and EBITDA targets created in partnership with the Executive Team
- The Vice President, Operations will develop and mentor the Denny’s Canada Operations leadership team
- The Vice President, Operations will champion operational execution, developing, training and deploying new brand standards to improve efficiency and guest experience.
- The Vice President, Operations will be accountable for employee engagement, satisfaction, and performance in addition to being accountable for guest satisfaction and growth in same store sales and new store sales targets
Responsibilities
The Operations Plan
- Provides input to executive management on the direction of activities for each of the functions in the operations group, and ties it to the company's Strategic Plan
- Develops an annual budget outlining the funds needed to undertake the year's projects as approved in the operations plan, and submits it for executive approval as required
- Ensures adequate human resource planning is done to fulfil the execution of the plan
- Proposes changes to staffing as required
- Provides specifics regarding levels of service and Business Review frequency
- Ensures annual Plan objectives are achieved
Maintenance of Standards
- Acts as the company's primary "upholder" of standards. Sets examples for performance in the field by being the authority for approvals on all operational issues
- Leads the corporate group in interpreting and evaluating the actions of the competition
- Ensures standards are fully delivered to guests, according to franchisor and company standards
- Recommends specific adjustments to the standards in order to improve operations, and works with appropriate corporate personnel on such matters
- Takes overall responsibility to ensure that all franchisor materials are current and relevant for use in the field
- Provides leadership to the operations group by indicating where action needs to be taken on issues arising in the field. Ensures adequate follow-up is undertaken to correct problem situations in a timely manner
Functional Supervision
- Becomes actively involved in the work of each Regional Manager’s areas. Ensures full participation in related areas such as development and marketing
- Participates in meetings between the various operations managers, franchisees, and other parties as required to remain up to date on projects or outstanding issues
- Attends and leads regional Operations meetings where operational issues are reviewed at the group level. Also visits individual restaurants to initiate or facilitate action as needed
Managing the Department
- Understand the company culture and roll it out across the group. Each team member should understand and live the culture and also help influence the culture
- Develop strong relationships with internal leadership teams with a focus on employee retention, development, and succession planning
- Oversees the activities of the operations team by preparing performance evaluations for each manager and reviewing these with the individuals at the appropriate time
- Jointly with the managers, prepares performance evaluations of other operations group staff, and participates in the presentation of these evaluations
- Reviews ongoing activities of the department and monitors workloads of the group.
- Conducts regular operations department meetings for the purpose of updating all staff on issues and providing priorities for ongoing issues and projects. Brings concerns from these meetings to the attention of executive management
- Involves and communicates with other departments regarding operations activities. Liaisons with development and marketing teams to ensure a seamless execution of projects and programs
Communications / Meetings
- Plays a leading role in bringing field concerns to the corporation for review
- Attends meetings as required and prepares presentations on appropriate issues
- Monitors changes to the company operations manual and provides feedback on changes
- Prepares appropriate articles or releases for the company's newsletter and on issues that may need operational analysis from time to time
- Reviews all bulletins and memos that originate from the operations group to ensure that priorities are being addressed appropriately
Franchisor Relations
- Promotes a solid understanding of franchisor relations matters to all operations group staff, and demonstrates same through appropriate actions and correspondence
- Balances the need for solid compliance to the franchisor's system with an open and sensible approach to initiating review where appropriate
Field Support Work and Related Activities
- Participates in all aspects of operational fieldwork as a regular part of implementing the operations plan (i.e.: Business Review visits, store openings, training sessions, employee seminars and supplier meetings)
- Involved in research and development work, competitive analysis, trade shows and other similar opportunities to improve the system
- Regularly visits a variety of locations. Provides feedback to other senior management and executive on concerns or opportunities arising from these visits
- Ensures that all locations are receiving direction and support from the operations group as required
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Sits on committees as required
- Participates in industry issues, and maintains an understanding of trends that may affect the company's operations
- Takes special projects assigned by the Executive Leadership Team
Background and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required
- Minimum 8-10 years of multi-unit leadership management experience with solid P&L track record
- Casual Dining Restaurant or hospitality industry experience is a must have; franchise experience is desirable
- Solid P&L track record; ability to understand complex business metrics and KPIs and recognize how they can be improved in the operation
- Proficient people leader with coaching experience and ability to listen and respond effectively to Team Members and Guests
- Strategic Thinking and high-level planning skills
- Command of strategic planning processes and ability to translate strategy into operational execution
- Impactful oral and written communication required for interactions at all levels in the organization from senior leadership team to Hourly Team Members. Ability to present to large audiences, prepare written plans and reports and communicate strategic, operational and Brand standards and priorities to regional and restaurant management
- Strong interpersonal skills and strong negotiation skills
- Possess a high degree of integrity
- Strong emotional intelligence demonstrated by inspiring leadership teams to deliver Perfect Guest Experiences and strong financial metrics
- Proficiency with software applications – POS systems, inventory and labour deployment, delivery aggregator platforms, MSOffice, AI
Leadership and Personal Attributes
- Commercially driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for growth outcomes
- Highly influential leader with the ability to drive results through collaboration and alignment rather than direct authority (EQ)
- Relationship-oriented, with the ability to build credibility and trust across the operations team, restaurant group, shared services teams, and executive leadership
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate growth objectives into practical, executable development plans
- Confident communicator with strong verbal and written skills; comfortable presenting to senior leadership and external stakeholders
- Self-motivated and proactive, with the agility to navigate ambiguity and identify new growth opportunities
- Strong analytical and financial acumen, with a data-driven approach to evaluating development, real estate, and franchise opportunities
- Organized and disciplined executor, capable of managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously and delivering results in a fast-paced environment
- Entrepreneurial mindset balanced with strong governance and brand stewardship
Why Join Denny’s Canada?
- Opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the growth strategy of an iconic, well-established brand in Canada
- High-impact position with direct visibility and partnership with executive leadership
- Collaborative environment supported by a robust shared services platform within Northland Restaurant Group
- Ability to influence and deliver meaningful expansion during a critical phase of growth and market opportunity
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
- Platform to make a tangible, lasting impact on the future footprint and success of Denny’s Canada
At Northland Properties, we are committed to building a network of talented professionals who can help to provide exceptional hospitality experiences. As an equal opportunity employer, we are constantly seeking motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join us in various fields, including Construction, Finance, IT, HR, Marketing, and Support Center. To join our dedicated team and be a part of our thriving hospitality community, explore the exciting career opportunities available at https://northland.ca/careers/.
