About You As the Regional Director of Operations (RDO), you will provide strategic operations leadership for the company restaurant portfolio in the areas of selecting talent, developing leaders, guest experience, creating long term growth, and building a strong culture. You will oversee 50+ company restaurants and be responsible for leading the area leadership team. You will be accountable for guiding operators to achieve outstanding performance that contributes to Noodles & Company’s growth, while also participating in strategic planning and development processes. In this role, you will lead and inspire your region to create a dining experience that builds both profit and guest loyalty.
About Noodles
At Noodles & Company, we believe great food can spark meaningful connections. That’s why we’re on a mission to reintroduce the world to noodles—not just as a meal, but as an experience worth craving. As we evolve our brand to meet the modern guest, we’re focused on creating moments that surprise, delight, and shift perceptions of what fast-casual can be.
Every bowl we serve is rooted in global flavors, fresh ingredients, and intentional hospitality that makes guests feel seen and valued. Our values—We Care, We Show Pride, We Are Passionate, and We Love Life—guide how we show up for our guests, our team members, and each other.
Benefits Careers at Noodles are served with a side of:
Pay range: $120,000-$145,000 annual salary
Flexible paid time off
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) and stock purchase discounts
Paid maternity and paternity leaves, adoption, and surrogacy benefits
Noodles Resource Groups – inclusive communities that foster belonging, build connections, and support your personal and professional growth
Scholarship opportunities through Noodles Foundation
Lead and hold accountable a team of 5-10 Area Managers responsible for executing the company strategy within the restaurants.
Achieve key performance objectives by creating long-term strategic business plans and financial budgets.
Build high performing teams by selecting the very best people and developing them into great leaders.
Provide strategic leadership to ensure all restaurants within the market deliver an outstanding guest experience.
Use analytical insights from both internal and external sources to provide strategic leadership and vision to drive sales growth and operational excellence.
Empower field leadership teams to drive profit performance by building sales through local relationship marketing and managing expenses.
Support growth strategies, including selection of real estate and the successful execution of New Restaurant Openings.
Build an inspiring culture within the region that empowers development and drives retention.
Support the Vice President of Company Operations and executive team in shaping and executing the company’s strategic direction.
What You Bring to the Team
8+ years of management experience in the restaurant industry, including strong multi-unit performance.
Experience leading a business or region of a business of at least 30+ units.
Proven success in restaurant operations, including experience supporting rapidly changing priorities and leading cross-functional initiatives.
Capital expense planning and spending experience.
Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams, identify talent, and develop strong leaders at all levels.
Strategic thinker with the ability to articulate a clear vision and execute complex strategies with precision.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation abilities.
Highly collaborative, team-oriented leader with the ability to work effectively across departments such as Training, Marketing, HR and Operations.
Strong organizational and time management skills; excels in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
Creative, adaptable, and solutions-focused, with a flexible mindset that embraces industry change.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
This is a field-based role located in Wisconsin, with travel required up to 75%. We’re seeking candidates who either reside locally or are open to relocating to the Milwaukee–Madison area.
Noodles is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Military Friendly workplace. We encourage Veterans and their spouses to apply. We are proud to be recognized on Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity and Forbes' Best Employers for Women lists and are committed to creating a culture of belonging where Noodlers can bring their full self to work.
Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by role, but all positions at Noodles & Company remain open for applications for at least 3 days from the posting date. This role is currently open and accepting applications.
