Manager, Ops Systems

We're looking for a strategic and technically-savvy Manager of Ops Systems to lead a key component of Sweetgreen's operations technology ecosystem. This role owns our COGS management technology and prep applications while providing leadership across all ops-facing business systems that power daily restaurant execution. You'll serve as both the strategic owner of our inventory system, hot and cold prep apps and a systems leader, setting the vision, driving cross-functional alignment, and building scalable processes that empower our restaurant teams to succeed.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, strong leadership experience, and a proven ability to translate field needs into technology strategy. This role serves as the voice of our coaches and team members, leading partnerships with Operations, Technology, Finance, and external vendors to drive system innovation, fleet-wide adoption, and seamless implementation of new tools and features.

This role requires strategic leadership alongside meaningful field presence, spending time in restaurants to understand workflows, validate system effectiveness, and shape our long-term operations technology roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

COGS Systems & Technology

• Own the strategic vendor relationship with Net-Chef (Crunchtime), leading contract negotiations, roadmap planning, and escalations while partnering with Technology to prioritize and deliver enhancements
• Serve as the company's subject matter expert on restaurant COGS management, setting standards for system usage, resolving complex issues, and advising senior stakeholders on the implications of new initiatives
• Define and execute a COGS AVT reduction strategy through system optimization, data integrity programs, and scalable operational best practices across the fleet
• Build and lead adoption and change management programs (including training infrastructure, escalation frameworks, and operator enablement) to drive consistent NetChef usage and confidence

Prep Applications & Technology

• Own the strategic roadmap for hot and cold prep applications, leading prioritization decisions in partnership with Technology and Operations leadership
• Set the standard for prep app excellence, proactively identifying system issues, advising on initiative implications, and guiding field and support teams at scale
• Drive measurable prep efficiency gains through a structured program of application improvements, workflow redesigns, and performance tracking
• Build scalable adoption strategies and change management infrastructure to accelerate prep app usage across the fleet

Systems Leadership & Field Partnership

• Provide oversight and strategic direction across all key ops-facing systems (NetChef, QSR, Brink, Gravy, Pacer, Hot Prep, Cold Prep), ensuring systems are well-integrated and collectively support operational excellence
• Champion the voice of restaurant teams at the leadership level, synthesizing field insights into prioritized recommendations that influence product and operations strategy
• Lead vendor and engineering relationships, owning system roadmaps, SLAs, and rollout governance to ensure seamless transitions with minimal operational disruption
• Establish and own end-to-end testing frameworks, quality standards, and go/no-go decision processes for system changes across the fleet

Testing, Training & Enablement

• Build and own a scalable training and enablement infrastructure for all ops systems, ensuring materials are current, accessible, and effective for restaurant adoption and onboarding
• Lead enterprise-wide change management for system launches, including communications strategy, training rollouts, and post-implementation performance tracking

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in operations systems, business systems management, or restaurant operations, with at least 2 years in a people or program leadership capacity
• Demonstrated ability to own vendor relationships and influence technology roadmaps
• Experience with inventory management systems required; multi-system operations environments preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of driving measurable operational improvements
• Excellent communicator with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate complexity for field audiences
• Comfortable balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution when needed
• Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, Google Suite, and operations management systems
• Willingness to spend up to 15–20% of time in restaurants and travel to key markets

What You'll Bring

• A systems-thinking mindset with the leadership presence to drive alignment across functions
• Ability to set priorities, manage ambiguity, and deliver results through both direct and indirect influence
• Strong technical acumen with a track record of rapidly mastering complex system environments
• A collaborative, outcomes-oriented leadership style that brings out the best in cross-functional partners
• Curiosity and a culture of continuous improvement, with the ability to build feedback loops that drive iteration
• A passion for operational excellence and a genuine commitment to empowering restaurant teams through technology

What you'll get:

• Highly competitive pay + bonus plan
• Three different medical plans to suit your and your family's needs
• Dental and Vision insurance
• Flexible PTO plan
• 401k program
• Employee HSA and FSA
• Complimentary greens
• An opportunity to make a real impact on the people around you, both by growing them and by connecting them to real food
• To live the sweetlife and celebrate your passion + purpose
• A collaborative team of people who live our core values and have your back
• A clear career path with opportunities for development, both personally and professionally
• Free sweetgreen swag

Come join the sweetlife!

About sweetgreen

Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand dedicated to building healthier communities by connecting people to real food. Since 2007, Sweetgreen has reimagined fast food to be fresh, flavorful, and rooted in relationships with farmers and communities. As we grow, we are committed to developing our people in our restaurants and at our support center, so that everyone can be part of the movement. When you join Sweetgreen, you not only invest in your own future but help create spaces where food, people, and purpose come together