Director of Operations – Midwest Region

We are on a mission to redefine what a bagel experience can be — bringing fresh, craveable bagels and high-energy hospitality to new communities across the country. As we enter our next phase of growth, we're launching our first Michigan location in
Q2
, with plans to expand rapidly throughout the
Midwest
.

We're looking for a
dynamic, strategic operator
to help lead this charge — a seasoned restaurant leader who blends
operational precision, people development, and cultural stewardship
with an entrepreneurial spirit.

The Role

The
Director of Operations – Midwest Region
will oversee all aspects of regional operations, growth, and performance across multiple markets. This person will serve as a key partner to leadership, driving excellence in execution, building high-performing teams, and ensuring every location delivers the signature PopUp Bagels experience.

This is a
ground-floor leadership opportunity
to help scale one of the most exciting brands in the QSR/fast-casual space.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Discipline

• Build and enforce strong operational systems — from checklists and line checks to food safety and service standards.
• Drive daily execution consistency across all locations.
• Hold teams accountable to brand and performance standards.

2. People Developer

• Recruit, coach, and develop General Managers and Assistant Managers.
• Build bench strength through strong succession planning and mentorship.
• Foster a culture of growth, empowerment, and accountability.

3. Culture Keeper

• Protect and amplify the PopUp Bagels DNA — fun, community-driven, and relentlessly guest-focused.
• Model the energy and hospitality that define the brand.

4. Multi-Unit Leadership

• Oversee a growing portfolio of stores across Michigan, Ohio, and Pittsburgh.
• Balance autonomy and accountability while fostering strong GM ownership.

5. Launch & Expansion Execution

• Own new store openings from construction coordination to hiring, training, and launch.
• Manage pre-opening budgets, timelines, and readiness checklists.
• Partner cross-functionally with leadership, design, and marketing teams.

6. Financial & Operational Acumen

• Take full P&L ownership; drive profitability through cost control, labor management, and revenue growth.
• Translate numbers into action plans that tell the story behind the performance.

7. Guest Obsession

• Champion guest feedback — both online and in-store — to continuously improve experience and loyalty.
• Ensure every visit delivers the PopUp "wow" factor.

8. Community Connector

• Build local partnerships and community presence to generate buzz and neighborhood loyalty.
• Engage with social media, influencers, and local organizations to drive organic growth.

9. Adaptable & Entrepreneurial Mindset

• Thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Make quick, informed decisions and pivot as needed to support growth.
• Bring creative problem-solving and hands-on leadership to every challenge.

Qualifications

• 7+ years
  of progressive leadership experience in
  QSR, fast casual, or boutique hospitality
  .
• Multi-unit management experience
  required.
• Proven track record of
  opening new locations
  and scaling operations successfully.
• Strong
  financial and analytical skills
  with full P&L responsibility.
• Excellent
  communication, coaching, and organizational
  abilities.
• Hands-on leader comfortable in both strategic and operational roles.
• Based in or willing to relocate to
  Metro Detroit
  .

Why Join PopUp Bagels

• Be part of an exciting
  growth story
  — helping to build 30+ locations from the ground up.
• Work directly with leadership in a
  high-ownership, low-bureaucracy
  environment.
• Shape the operational playbook for a rapidly expanding, nationally recognized brand.
• Competitive compensation, performance incentives, and travel opportunities.