About You As Manager of Operations Excellence, you are a key driver of Noodles & Company's success, coaching and empowering our restaurant teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences through operational excellence. You’ll lead the Coaches team analyzing operational metrics, walkthrough results and performance data to ensure the team is completing Reviews consistently and providing the best coaching experience that leads to improved operational excellence.
Our Manager of Operations Excellence should be energized by leading and impacting the execution of Reviews, inspiring the team to provide coaching sessions that strengthen operational standards, develop leadership skills and drive continuous improvement across the brand. They embrace data to inform decisions and strategize ways to improve results. Above all, they believe that great operations create great guest moments — and great careers for our people.
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: $90,000-$100,000 annual salary
Eligible for annual performance bonus up to 15%
Flexible paid time off
Medical & pharmacy, dental, vision, and pet insurance
Free mental health, legal, and financial resources to support your well-being
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
Coach for Performance: Conduct in-person coaching visits with restaurant GMs and teams using structured walkthroughs and skill-building sessions to drive excellence in guest service, food quality, safety, cleanliness, and brand standards.
LeadershipDevelopment: Lead and inspire Coaches to ensure visits are consistent and provide feedback that drive the proper execution of operational standards.
Targeted Support: Analyze operational metrics, guest feedback, walkthrough results, and performance data to inform coaching focus and drive measurable improvements.
Elevate Operational Execution: Identify operational opportunities and deliver specific, actionable feedback to restaurant teams and guide them in implementing sustainable operational solutions.
Champion Brand Standards: Serve as a brand ambassador, reinforcing Noodles & Company's operational vision and guiding continuous operational alignment across the system.
Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate closely with Field Operations Leaders, Training, Food Safety, and HR to support restaurant teams holistically.
Oversee MIT Training Program: Ensure MIT training is being coordinated and executed along with proper transition into home restaurant. Oversee for succession planning and certification of TGMs by partnering with market leadership.
New Store Openings: Lead the planning and coordination between departments to execute successful new restaurant openings, ensuring brand standards are built into culture from day one.
Data Driven: Manage budgets and travel calendars. Responsible for (but not limited to) MIT Retention and 90 Day NRO Execution.
What You Bring to the Team
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
3+ years of experience as a Restaurant Manager
2+ years in a multi-unit leadership or field support role
Experience managing training programs preferred
Experience leading New Restaurant Openings preferred
Proven ability to coach, develop, and inspire others, with a demonstrated track record of succession planning and team growth
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build solid internal and external relationships
Demonstrated success in operational execution, including food quality, safety, cleanliness, and guest service standards
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to use data to identify opportunities and drive results
Outstanding presentation and facilitation skills
Highly organized and able to work independently while managing time, travel, and competing priorities
Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally
This role may be based in our Broomfield, Colorado Support Office or field-based in a state where Noodles & Company has restaurant operations. Support Office-based team members follow a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week in the office. Candidates must reside in, or be willing to relocate to, Colorado or an eligible field-based state.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 75%
Noodles & Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Military Friendly workplace. We encourage Veterans and their spouses to apply. We’re proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers and America’s Best Employers for Company Culture, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where Noodlers feel supported, respected, and able to bring their full selves 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.
