Chicago,IL,USA:Area Director-Chicago,IL-$107052 To $140492 Per YEAR
Posted on January 14, 2026
Role Based in Chicago, IL, USA
Position: Area Director - Chicago, IL - $107052 To $140492 Per YEAR (Based in Chicago, IL, USA) Company: Shake Shack Based in: Chicago, IL, USA, IL (our main Chicago, IL, USA branch) Urgency: Immediate consideration in Chicago, IL, USA.
Pay: $107.1k-$140.5k/Year (approx. $2.4k/Week) Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is included. Impactful work with supportive local leadership.
Responsibilities
Core objectives involve your professional skills in a dynamic.
- This Chicago, IL, USA-based role is an excellent opportunity for professionals skilled in relevant skills.
- Our Shake Shack team in Chicago, IL, USA, IL is growing.
- Benefit from working in Chicago, IL, USA, a key hub for the a dynamic industry.
Shake Shack is a renowned hospitality company that began as a humble hot dog cart in New York City's Madison Square Park. Founded by Danny Meyer, the CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and award-winning author, Shake Shack quickly became a beloved local favorite, with proceeds benefitting park beautification efforts. Since then, it has evolved into one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands internationally, known for its commitment to serving high-quality food paired with exceptional hospitality. The company celebrates its roots in fine dining while fostering a strong community connection and promoting a workplace culture that emphasizes doing the right thing, inclusivity, and standing for something good.
The company values its team members, who are affectionately known as the #ShackFam, and provides numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth through hands-on mentorship and continuous training. At Shake Shack, employees can thrive in a fun and inclusive environment where their contributions truly matter. The brand’s mission is to craft unforgettable experiences not only for its guests but also to create a positive impact in neighborhoods and communities nationwide.
The role of Area Director at Shake Shack represents a significant leadership opportunity within the organization. This position is central to driving the company’s continued growth and success by overseeing multiple restaurant locations within a designated area. The Area Director is responsible for building and guiding high-performing management teams that deliver elevated guest experiences and uphold the brand’s values.
Area Directors act as ambassadors of the Shake Shack brand and are responsible for ensuring operational consistency, facilitating collaboration, and fostering professional development. They lead the management of financial health for all locations within their area by monitoring profit and loss statements, setting clear business targets, and promoting accountability among General Managers. Beyond financial performance, Area Directors prioritize talent development, succession planning, employee retention, and community involvement, reinforcing the company’s commitment to standing for something good.
This role also serves as the critical link between the Home Office and the operational teams, managing communication flow, driving the implementation of systems and processes designed to deliver effective operations, and responding proactively to guest feedback and operational trends. Area Directors must maintain compliance with health and safety regulations while protecting the brand’s reputation and ensuring a safe and positive environment for both employees and customers.
Traveling approximately 50% of the time, the Area Director engages in regular visits to Shake Shack locations to verify compliance, validate key performance indicators, and support teams in achieving their goals. This leadership position requires a dynamic individual with exceptional interpersonal, organizational, financial, and analytical skills, as well as multi-unit management experience in the hospitality sector. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, although extensive relevant work and leadership experience can be considered a valuable equivalent.
Shake Shack offers a competitive salary range from $107,052 to $140,492 for this role, along with an appealing benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional development of its employees. Join Shake Shack as an Area Director to be part of a fast-growing company that prioritizes people, celebrates diversity, and always strives to create something good for its guests, teams, and communities.
- Minimum 3-5 years of management and leadership experience in a multi-unit management role
- effective written, verbal, and relational communication skills
- strong interpersonal and organizational skills
- solid financial and analytical skills
- ability to set and achieve realistic objectives
- knowledge of management recruitment, selection, and training
- knowledge of local and state health and safety compliance
- bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience
- ability to travel 50% of the time