Area Manager

Position Overview:

The Area Manager’s role is to oversee the daily operations of the four stores in the Saint John (2) and Fredericton (2) area. The Area Manager is responsible for ensuring that each store in their Area is meeting company mandated targets and following brand standards. The Area Manager is the main point of contact for all Store Managers and leads by example to ensure the success of the team.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Reports to Regional Manager.
• Devotes 100% of their full business time and effort to the business affairs of the restaurants in their Area.
• Requires approximately 40 working hours per week and is expected to work on line or cash during peak periods.
• Visits each store in Area at least weekly.
• Assesses and identifies areas where Store Managers need improvement, coaches them to find solutions.
• Creates annual objectives and goals in line with the goals of the organization as a whole and implements plans to achieve them.
• Communicates with Regional Manager on a regular basis to keep them informed of noteworthy situations in each Area store.
• Sends weekly report to Regional Manager detailing each Area store performance and activity for previous week.

Guests:

• Ensures that each Area store team consistently delivers an industry-leading guest experience as detailed in the company’s strategy and measured by internal and external consumer indicators (e.g., Brand Compliance Assessments, Guest Concerns and Compliments, Self-Assessments, Steritech Audits, Health Department Inspections).
• Ensures that each Area store team maintains A&W Customer Service Standards including caring guest service, speed of service, food quality and consistency, and cleanliness of the restaurant.
• Reviews responses by Store Managers to in-store Guest Concerns to ensure that responses are made quickly and in an appropriate and professional manner in accordance with A&W standards.

Operations:

• Ensures that Store Managers are following A&W Operations Manual to comply with franchise practices and standards.
• Reviews checklists and processes prescribed by A&W for cleaning, maintenance, preparation, ordering, and inventory to ensure they are being followed.
• Is familiar with A&W Job Aids, Operator Guides, and other publications to remain up to date with the best practices in the restaurant.
• Conducts Key Operating Assessments (9/year/restaurant), reviews results with Store Managers, and ensures corrective actions are completed and implemented in regular operations.
• Reviews results of Steritech and Health Department assessments with Store Managers and ensures corrective actions are completed and implemented in regular operations.
• Sources and places orders for restaurant supplies and uniforms as needed while adhering to prescribed budget.

Personnel:

• The Store Manager of each store in the Area reports to the Area Manager.
• The Area Manager develops and maintains a safe, healthy, and motivating work environment through high personal standards of integrity and effective communication.
• Works with Store Manager to develop a high-performance team through effective recruitment, selection, training, delegation, coaching, and performance reviews, and through strong application of A&W Policies and Procedures.
• Works with Store Manager to identify and develop promotable staff for supervisory and management positions.
• Builds an outstanding climate where responsibilities are shared, problems are resolved, members are motivated, and results are owned by individuals and the group. Works on climate goals with Store Managers daily.
• Ensures that Store Managers prepare weekly shift schedules in accordance with employee availability and with sufficient coverage while achieving Labour Cost targets.
• Conducts bi-annual Performance Reviews of Restaurant Managers.
• Sets annual goals with Store Managers to promote growth and development.
• Prepares Records of Employee Counseling for Store Managers when necessary, discusses problems with employees, and devises plans for resolution.
• Utilizes A&W Academy to facilitate coaching and developing Restaurant Managers according to the company standards and policies.
• Ensures that Store Managers are following Ideal Learning Path for new employees, regularly reviews Absorb to ensure all employee training is completed and up to date.
• Ensures Store Managers are keeping all employee files and Clearview details up to date.

Financial Results:

• Ensures that Store Managers effectively manage key variable costs according to quarterly goals set by Regional Manager (food, labour, discounts/coupons, and other controllable costs).
• Ensures that Store Managers strictly adhere to clearly defined practices and procedures regarding the handling of cash in the restaurant and deposits of cash/receipts to the bank.
• Coaches Store Managers with weekly Inventory Counts in troubleshooting any inconsistent shortages/overages.
• Conducts Inventory spot checks to ensure accurate counts.
• Coaches Store Managers with the ongoing management of all restaurant administration systems (i.e. Clearview).
• Adheres to prescribed budget for all expenditures.

Marketing:

• Works with Store Manager to develop and execute effective local marketing programs (i.e. radio, newspaper, sponsorships, contests).
• Ensures that Store Managers execute National promotions according to guidance from Corporate Office.
• Effectively coordinates marketing and social media marketing efforts in conjunction with the A&W Annual Marketing Calendar.
• Ensures that Store Managers effectively manage discounts and coupons.

REQUIREMENTS

Working with A&W is more than just sharing a love of great burgers. By joining our team you’ll be on the front lines, helping us change the fast food landscape. From eliminating plastic straws to root beer made with all-natural flavours, to being the first national restaurant chain in Canada to offer the plant-based Beyond Meat Burger, we’ve never been the kind of company to sit back and wait for change to happen. For us, it’s all about doing the right thing for our food, people, community, and environment. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Job applicants responding to this posting may be applying to an A&W restaurant independently owned and operated by a local Franchisee. All hiring decisions are made by the local Franchisee.