Dine Brands
The Head of Restaurant Innovation is a mission-critical leader within the Restaurant Excellence function, IHOP’s engine for operational transformation. This team is laser-focused on driving restaurant profitability, team productivity, and guest delight at scale.
Be one of the first applicants, read the complete overview of the role below, then send your application for consideration. This role is not about incremental change; it’s about redefining and optimizing how IHOP operates. The individual will lead the strategic vision for the future of restaurant operations, identifying and executing bold, high-impact initiatives that: Radically accelerate speed of service Maximize labor efficiency and reduce in-box complexity Deploy modern technologies that streamline workflows Deliver a frictionless, best-in-class guest experience This leader will partner cross-functionally with Core Operations, Technology, and Field teams to test, validate, and scale innovations that improve labor, cost, and guest satisfaction. This role demands a rare blend of strategic horsepower and operational hustle. The ideal candidate is a systems thinker with a builder’s mindset: someone who can ruthlessly prioritize what matters most and deliver measurable value to our franchisees. You’ll report directly to the Vice President of Restaurant Excellence and lead the company’s key strategic operations initiatives. As IHOP enters its next wave of growth, this is your opportunity to shape the future of a beloved brand at scale. Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership:
Own the development and execution of IHOP’s operational innovation strategy, prioritizing initiatives that drive labor efficiency, cost control, and profitability. Operational Optimization:
Identify and implement improvements in labor, cost management, and in-restaurant technology and training to elevate performance. Innovation Pipeline Management:
Build and manage a structured pipeline from ideation through pilot to scale, ensuring a steady flow of high-impact initiatives. Cross-Functional Execution:
Partner with Core Operations and Restaurant Technology teams for testing, validation, and rollout. System Archetyping:
Maintain restaurant archetypes to tailor solutions across the diverse IHOP footprint. Market Intelligence:
Continuously scan the competitive landscape for best practices and incorporate insights into strategic planning. Future-State Modeling:
Lead design and piloting of “Store of the Future” concepts with franchisees. Field Integration:
Conduct restaurant visits to gather operator feedback and ensure initiatives are practical. Team Leadership:
Manage and develop a team across innovation workstreams. Stakeholder Engagement:
Represent IHOP Restaurant Innovation to franchisees and ensure alignment with leadership. Resource Stewardship:
Contribute to budgeting and resource planning for high-ROI investments. Culture Building:
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Skills & Requirements: Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, or related, with 5+ years in operations and strategy, including leadership experience. Preferably with top-tier consulting experience. Industry Expertise: Experience in restaurant, hospitality, or multi-unit retail environments. Operational Acumen: Deep understanding of restaurant operations, labor, costs, and performance drivers. Analytical & Financial Rigor: Skilled in data analysis, business case development, and P&L understanding. Technology Fluency: Familiarity with restaurant tech stacks (POS, kitchen systems, labor tools, digital ordering). Leadership & Influence: Proven success managing teams and influencing senior leaders and field operators. Executional Agility: Comfortable in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, willing to travel 25–40%. Bias for Action: Decisive, adaptable, and quick to iterate based on feedback. Target base salary $190k-215k based on experience.
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Be one of the first applicants, read the complete overview of the role below, then send your application for consideration. This role is not about incremental change; it’s about redefining and optimizing how IHOP operates. The individual will lead the strategic vision for the future of restaurant operations, identifying and executing bold, high-impact initiatives that: Radically accelerate speed of service Maximize labor efficiency and reduce in-box complexity Deploy modern technologies that streamline workflows Deliver a frictionless, best-in-class guest experience This leader will partner cross-functionally with Core Operations, Technology, and Field teams to test, validate, and scale innovations that improve labor, cost, and guest satisfaction. This role demands a rare blend of strategic horsepower and operational hustle. The ideal candidate is a systems thinker with a builder’s mindset: someone who can ruthlessly prioritize what matters most and deliver measurable value to our franchisees. You’ll report directly to the Vice President of Restaurant Excellence and lead the company’s key strategic operations initiatives. As IHOP enters its next wave of growth, this is your opportunity to shape the future of a beloved brand at scale. Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership:
Own the development and execution of IHOP’s operational innovation strategy, prioritizing initiatives that drive labor efficiency, cost control, and profitability. Operational Optimization:
Identify and implement improvements in labor, cost management, and in-restaurant technology and training to elevate performance. Innovation Pipeline Management:
Build and manage a structured pipeline from ideation through pilot to scale, ensuring a steady flow of high-impact initiatives. Cross-Functional Execution:
Partner with Core Operations and Restaurant Technology teams for testing, validation, and rollout. System Archetyping:
Maintain restaurant archetypes to tailor solutions across the diverse IHOP footprint. Market Intelligence:
Continuously scan the competitive landscape for best practices and incorporate insights into strategic planning. Future-State Modeling:
Lead design and piloting of “Store of the Future” concepts with franchisees. Field Integration:
Conduct restaurant visits to gather operator feedback and ensure initiatives are practical. Team Leadership:
Manage and develop a team across innovation workstreams. Stakeholder Engagement:
Represent IHOP Restaurant Innovation to franchisees and ensure alignment with leadership. Resource Stewardship:
Contribute to budgeting and resource planning for high-ROI investments. Culture Building:
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Skills & Requirements: Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, or related, with 5+ years in operations and strategy, including leadership experience. Preferably with top-tier consulting experience. Industry Expertise: Experience in restaurant, hospitality, or multi-unit retail environments. Operational Acumen: Deep understanding of restaurant operations, labor, costs, and performance drivers. Analytical & Financial Rigor: Skilled in data analysis, business case development, and P&L understanding. Technology Fluency: Familiarity with restaurant tech stacks (POS, kitchen systems, labor tools, digital ordering). Leadership & Influence: Proven success managing teams and influencing senior leaders and field operators. Executional Agility: Comfortable in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, willing to travel 25–40%. Bias for Action: Decisive, adaptable, and quick to iterate based on feedback. Target base salary $190k-215k based on experience.
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