Operational Director – Executive QSR Leadership Role in East Tennessee with Profit Share
Compensation: $25.00 to $30.00 per hour plus bonus and commission
Parlor Doughnuts East Tennessee
We are seeking an Operational Director to lead high-volume restaurant operations in East Tennessee.
This is not a traditional “Restaurant Manager” role. We are not looking for "just a supervisor"
We are recruiting a high-performance hospitality leader.
If you are currently a Operations Director in the restaurant and hospitality space or a high-level QSR leader and are ready for greater ownership and long-term growth, this opportunity is built for you.
About the Role
The Operational Director will have full P&L oversight and operational control our East Tennessee restaurant locations, with opportunity to grow into multi-unit leadership as we expand throughout the East Tennessee market. We are actively planning additional locations in the region and are looking for a long-term operator who wants to build something meaningful and scalable.
This leader must be hands-on, disciplined, and performance-driven.
We are looking for someone who can:
• Drive operational excellence
• Build and coach strong teams
• Protect food safety and brand standards
• Execute systems consistently
• Manage labor and cost controls
• Lead from the front during peak volume
This is a leadership-from-the-floor role. You will not sit in an office. You will be expected to get "your hands dirty" by frying doughnuts, working barista shifts, running the kitchen line, washing dishes, etc. Not all the time, but enough to set the standard by example. Remember, you are the leader.
Operational Scope
• Full P&L responsibility
• EBITDA accountability
• Profitability optimization
• Labor management and scheduling strategy
• Food cost and waste reduction
• Catering sales growth and local store marketing
• Revenue expansion initiatives
• Hiring, training, and leadership development
• Performance management and accountability systems
• Health department and ServSafe compliance
• Cash handling, POS oversight, and financial reporting
Compensation Structure
-Competitive level salary based on experience.
-Very aggressive bonus structure. (profit share tied directly to EBITDA and P&L performance).
This is a high-upside compensation model for leaders who can drive measurable financial results.
If you increase revenue, control labor, reduce waste, and grow EBITDA, you will be rewarded accordingly.
Qualifications
• Minimum 3+ years of restaurant management or hospitality leadership required.
• 5+ years preferred for senior candidates
• Experience in high-volume restaurant, QSR, hotel food & beverage, or hospitality operations
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of P&L statements
• Open and flexible availability including weekends
• Reliable personal vehicle required
• Willingness to work 45–55 hours as business demands, and ability to work in high paced/high pressure environments
• Proven ability to build culture and hold teams accountable
Ideal Backgrounds
• Chick-fil-A Director
• Hilton or Marriott F&B Leader
• Restaurant General Manager
• Multi-Unit Supervisor
• Hospitality Operations Manager
• High-Volume QSR Executive
Growth Vision
We are expanding in the Knoxville and East Tennessee market. We need a leader to take us there.
This role has a clear path toward:
• Multi-Unit Director
• Area Director
• Market Leader
We are building a leadership bench for regional expansion.
This is a rare opportunity in the East Tennessee restaurant and hospitality job market for a disciplined operator who wants executive-level responsibility with profit participation.
If you are searching for:
Operational Director jobs
Executive Restaurant Leadership
Hospitality Director
General Manager jobs with profit share
Restaurant Executive careers East Tennessee
Parlor Doughnuts is building the next generation of hospitality leadership in East Tennessee
Serious, high-performance candidates only.
Parlor Doughnuts
Parlor Doughnuts is a fast-growing craft doughnut and specialty coffee brand known for our signature Famous Layered Doughnuts and welcoming, community-first shops. Parlor started in 2019, and has expanded rapidly across the U.S., recently surpassing 100 locations nationwide as the brand continues to grow through both corporate and franchise partners.
What makes Parlor different is the product and the experience. Our layered doughnuts are made to stand out, with a light, flaky texture and a menu that includes 20+ core flavors plus seasonal options, along with thoughtfully built breakfast items and a premium coffee program. We also invest in guest loyalty through the Parlor Perks rewards app, helping our teams build repeat customers and strong community relationships.
From an employer standpoint, Parlor is a place for people who enjoy a fast-paced environment, take pride in quality, and like working with a close-knit team. Employee feedback commonly highlights the camaraderie and energy of the workplace, the fun of creating “wow” moments for guests, and the flexibility and teamwork that can come with the day-to-day rhythm of the shops.
As a brand, Parlor has been recognized as a high-growth concept, including being listed in Restaurant Business’s Future 50 (2024), reflecting our momentum and continued expansion. In addition, various local Parlor markets have shared recognition and rankings in their regions over the years, reinforcing the strength of the product and guest experience.
At its core, Parlor is about great food, great coffee, and a team culture built on accountability, hospitality, and growth. We look for people who want more than “just a job” and are excited to learn, improve, and potentially grow into leadership as we continue expanding.
Restaurant Management | Hospitality Leadership | High-Performance Culture
Parlor Doughnuts franchise locations are a locally owned and professionally operated hospitality concept redefining what a modern bakery and specialty coffee experience can be in East Tennessee. We are looking to grow in the East Tennessee market and looking for the right person to help lead the operation!
We operate mid-volume, fast-paced restaurant environments that demand operational excellence, leadership accountability, and an elevated guest experience. Our concept blends scratch bakery production, specialty coffee service, culinary-driven breakfast offerings, and hospitality-focused front-of-house service.
We are building a high-performance leadership team in the East Tennessee restaurant market. Our culture is structured, disciplined, and growth-oriented. We expect professionalism, urgency, and ownership from our leaders. In return, we offer real opportunity for advancement into Store Leadership and Multi-Unit Management roles within our Tennessee portfolio.
Who We Are Looking For
We actively seek experienced Restaurant Managers, Food Service Managers, Hospitality Leaders, Operations Managers, Assistant General Managers, and Shift Leaders with a minimum of 3+ years of restaurant or food industry management experience.
Ideal candidates have backgrounds in:
• Upscale casual dining
• High-volume quick service restaurant leadership
• Boutique hospitality or hotel food and beverage
• Franchise restaurant management
• Coffee or specialty café operations
If you are currently a Restaurant Manager, Food Service Director, or a F&B leader seeking a more entrepreneurial environment and opportunity in the Knoxville or East Tennessee Area, Parlor Doughnuts offers a platform to lead and grow.
Our Leadership Standards
We operate with a performance-driven mindset. Our managers are expected to:
• Drive measurable results in labor management, cost control, and sales growth
• Maintain strict food safety and health department compliance
• Develop strong, accountable teams
• Execute operational systems consistently
• Lead by example in both Front of House and Back of House operations
• Uphold a culture of professionalism and respect
We do not operate as a casual workplace. We operate as a disciplined hospitality organization committed to long-term growth in the East Tennessee restaurant market.
Why Leaders Choose Parlor Doughnuts
• Locally operated with engaged ownership
• Clear path to Restaurant General Manager and Area Manager positions
• Performance-based growth opportunities
• Expanding brand footprint in East Tennessee
• Structured leadership environment
• Real responsibility and operational ownership
If you are searching for:
Restaurant Manager jobs
Hospitality Management careers
Food Service Manager positions
General Manager opportunities
Restaurant leadership roles
Hotel F&B leadership transitioning into restaurant management
Parlor Doughnuts is actively building its next generation of hospitality leaders.
We are not simply hiring staff. We are recruiting disciplined, growth-oriented professionals who want to lead teams, drive results, and build long-term careers in the Knoxville and Farragut restaurant industry.
Serious hospitality professionals are encouraged to apply.
| Address | East, TN |
|---|---|
| Property Type | Restaurant |
| # Jobs | 1 |
