Director, Ops Excellence

Company:Driven BrandsThe Automotive Training Institute (ATI), the largest coaching and training company for Owners of Independent Repair Shops in the US and Canada. With over 1700 shops actively engaged in our program, we provide coaching, training and the largest buying program in the automotive aftermarket for Independent Shop Owners. Our members have cumulatively increased their Gross Profits by almost $3.0 Billion dollars through the ATI program.Job DescriptionATI is seeking an exceptional Director of Operations Excellence to serve as a critical member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the President. This is a rare and high-impact role that sits at the intersection of strategic execution, organizational leadership, and operational rigor.The Director of Operations Excellence functions as a force multiplier for the President and the broader leadership team — part project management authority, and part organizational integrator. This individual will be trusted to drive the company's most complex, cross-functional priorities forward without always having direct authority over the resources required to deliver them.The right candidate thrives in ambiguity, brings a builder's mindset to undefined problems, and possesses the executive presence and gravitas to influence outcomes across all levels of the organization.Key ResponsibilitiesCross-Functional Initiative LeadershipOwn the design, launch, and delivery of strategic initiatives that span multiple functions and business unitsBuild alignment across organizational boundaries using influence, credibility, and relationship capital rather than direct authorityEstablish governance frameworks, decision-making structures, and accountability mechanisms where none previously existedProactively identify where coordination is breaking down and intervene with the right structure and facilitation to restore progressPrepare and manage executive briefings, board materials, and high-stakes presentations with precision and clarityOperational Structure & Process ExcellenceCreate clarity from ambiguity — rapidly assess unstructured situations and design actionable frameworks, project plans, and operating rhythmsOwn and lead the company's weekly operational reviews — setting the agenda, ensuring the right participants and data are present, driving accountability on action items, and synthesizing outcomes for the President and leadership teamDrive the leadership team's operating cadence including business reviews, strategic planning cycles, and leadership offsitesDevelop and track KPIs and operational metrics that give the President and leadership team real-time visibility into business performanceIdentify systemic inefficiencies across the organization and partner with functional leaders to implement scalable improvementsLeadership & Executive EngagementCommunicate complex, sensitive, or ambiguous topics to executive audiences with confidence, precision, and appropriate nuanceBuild trusted relationships with peers across the leadership team, operating as a neutral and credible connective force across the organizationMentor and develop others by modeling structured thinking, clear communication, and results-oriented executionQualificationsRequired10+ years of progressive experience in operations, strategy, management consulting, or chief of staff functionsDemonstrated track record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives from ambiguity to execution without direct resource ownershipExceptional project and program management skills with the ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneouslyOutstanding executive presence — compelling presenter and communicator at all levels, including C-suite and board audiencesStrong analytical and structured thinking skills; ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable recommendationsProven ability to influence without authority and build coalitions across diverse organizational stakeholdersHigh emotional intelligence, with the ability to navigate sensitive situations diplomatically and build trust across functionsPreferredExperience in a Chief of Staff, VP of Operations, or Strategy & Operations role within a mid-to-large organizationBackground in management consulting or investment banking with a track record of senior client engagementFamiliarity with ATI's industry sector and the operational challenges of [sector-specific context]MBA or equivalent advanced degreeCore CompetenciesDriving Through AmbiguityInfluence Without AuthorityExecutive PresenceStrategic ThinkingCross-Functional LeadershipStructured Problem SolvingStakeholder ManagementOperational RigorPosition Location:MarylandCompensation Range$15.00 - $179,900.00Compensation FrequencyAnnualBase pay offered may vary depending on actual location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Supplemental pay types may include commissions or bonus incentives, depending on the role. Driven Brands offers a variety of health and wellness benefits including paid time off and holiday pay. Details regarding our benefits can be found here: https://www.drivenbrandsbenefits.comGet early access to 50% of your earned wages at any time through our myFlexPay program.