Senior Financial Analyst

Overview

Position Requirements: This is an on-site position Monday – Thursday with flexibility to work remotely on Fridays and is based at Red Lobster’s corporate office.

The Senior Financial Analyst – Operations Analysis is responsible for driving unit-level profitability by combining financial analysis with operational insight to identify performance gaps, diagnose root causes, and implement scalable solutions. This role partners cross-functionally with Operations and Finance leadership to translate data into actionable strategies that improve efficiency, accountability, and financial outcomes.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Partner with Operations and Finance Leadership to evaluate performance, forecast outcomes, and ensure alignment with financial targets and strategic objectives.
• Lead initiatives focused on improving unit-level profitability through analysis of key drivers such as labor efficiency, cost control, and operational execution.
• Identify performance gaps through outlier detection, trend analysis, and variance analysis, and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Perform root cause analysis on underperformance, distinguishing between operational, financial, and process-driven issues.
• Develop and implement structured action plans in collaboration with cross-functional teams to address performance issues and track measurable improvements.
• Design and maintain scalable analytical frameworks and reporting tools that enable consistent performance monitoring and decision-making.
• Proactively identify data inconsistencies and gaps, resolve discrepancies, and improve overall data reliability and reporting accuracy.
• Support underperforming locations or business units through targeted deep-dive analyses and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Build financial and operational models that connect business activities to financial outcomes, enabling scenario planning and forward-looking decision support.
• Communicate insights effectively to stakeholders at varying levels, translating complex data into clear business implications and recommended actions.

Required Technical Skills:

• 3+ years of experience in financial analysis, operations analysis, or a similar analytical role with demonstrated impact on business performance.
• Advanced financial modeling, forecasting, and variance analysis capabilities.
• Proficiency in SQL with experience querying large datasets; Oracle SQL strongly preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with BI/reporting tools (e.g., MicroStrategy, Power BI, Tableau).
• Ability to work with large datasets, identify patterns, and derive meaningful insights.
• Strong understanding of operational metrics and how they translate into financial performance.
• Solid project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting or related field.
• MBA Preferred.

Other Key Qualifications:

• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect financial insights to operational execution.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment.
• Proven ability to analyze complex problems and develop practical, results-oriented solutions.
• Self-starter with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and driving change.
• Strong prioritization and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to operate effectively in cross-functional teams and navigate ambiguity.
• High level of intellectual curiosity and continuous improvement mindset.