Highly respected, award winning Los Angeles restaurant group is seeking a Director of Operations to oversee their successful restaurant portfolio. Title is flexible for candidates with more extensive multiunit operations experience. This role will assume responsibility for the support of restaurant operations and management support for all concepts in the group, including manager development, recruitment, consistent high standards of food, beverage and service, systems, training, and overall team morale, while ensuring that all activities are consistent with and supportive of the company’s culture.
The ideal candidate will have a balance of chef driven/quality product experience, along with a background in systems and structure. Very open to candidates coming from a BOH/culinary background who also have ample exposure/knowledge of FOH operations! Prior multi-unit experience is required, preferably in chef-driven restaurant environments. Looking for a hands-on leader with a proven background in respected restaurant concepts who is still passionate about service and day-to-day restaurant operations, as this person will be spending the majority of their time working onsite with the teams at the various restaurant locations. An entrepreneurial mindset, keen attention to detail, high level of organization, collaborative mindset, and the ability to communicate effectively with teams and leadership are all critical to this role. Very exciting opportunity to join a successful and longstanding hospitality team!
Responsibilities Include:
- Work as a resource for all chefs, top-level management, and partners in the group. Nurture those relationships and help support their vision and create standardized procedures
- Work to standardize any manuals or forms that can better help streamline operations through the restaurants
- Monitor restaurant performance to identify emerging trends and areas of opportunity, including new technology or service models
- Taking ownership of the business to increase sales and profitability
- Encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members
- Remain committed to guest service, experience, retention of regulars, and fostering new guest relationships
- Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures across all restaurants to ensure consistency and efficiency
- Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, cost control, and revenue optimization.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as necessary to achieve operational goals
- Lead and mentor all top-level restaurant managers and staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Maintain a presence in each of the restaurants on a regular basis
- Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends
- Problem-solve and work on site to ensure any issues are resolved and handled appropriately
- Support with future growth plans, new restaurant openings, and concept ideation
- Maintain oversight of POS and reservation systems, guest communications, and service execution standards
- Collaborate with culinary teams to maintain high quality food and beverage offerings and exceptional guest experiences
- Work closely with the executive team to develop and execute strategies that drive profitability, enhance guest satisfaction, and maintain high standards of quality
- Foster strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and other external partners to ensure seamless operations and cost-effective procurement
- Stay updated on industry trends, competition, and customer preferences to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement
- Fully understand and comply with all federal, state, county and municipal regulations that pertain to health, safety and labor requirements
Candidate Requirements:
- 4-5+ years of experience as a Regional or Area Director, Director of Operations, Multi-Unit General Manager (GM), Director of Restaurants, Director of Hospitality, or comparable role; OR 2-4 years as a Vice President (VP) of Operations, Senior Director of Operations, Senior VP of Operations, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), or comparable executive level role in a full-service, upscale or fine-dining restaurant environment is required
- At least 1-2 years of multi-unit restaurant management experience is required, preferably in upscale, chef-driven concepts
- The ideal person will be in touch with the Los Angeles dining scene and excited to continue to grow and change with the times
- Diverse restaurant experience and the ability to oversee multiple concepts with distinct brand voices
- Strategic background with a passion for hospitality and the ability to oversee multiple direct reports
- Deep passion for high-caliber food, beverage, and guest service
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate, train, and inspire a diverse workforce
- Excellent financial acumen and experience with budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management
- Ability to thrive in a hands-on, high-touch service environment
- Team player mentality with a hands-on, lead by example style of leadership
- Process driven and able to implement operating procedures that will continue to maximize efficiency
- Outstanding problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders
- Desire and willingness to work side by side with teams in the restaurants on a regular basis
- Knowledge of industry regulations, health and safety standards, and compliance requirements
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Must be able to work flexible hours necessary to manage and operate the restaurants effectively
Compensation Package Includes:
- Base Salary in the $130-210k range depending on experience level and title determined upon hire
- Management Distribution Structure
- Full Covered Medical Benefits
- 401k
- Cell Phone & Wellness Stipend
- PTO Plan