Highly regarded independent hospitality group is looking for an experienced, passionate Director of Operations to join the team as they prepare to expand! While the company is based out of Los Angeles, this role will spend roughly 6 months in Nashville initially, following an initial training period in LA. Long term, this position will require significant extended travel between current and future prospective markets. Ideally candidates will be based in Los Angeles or able to relocate, however they are flexible for this person potentially being based in a different market, as long as they are comfortable with the extended travel component. This role be focused solely on the group’s Nashville location initially, assuming responsibility for the support of restaurant operations including manager development, recruitment, consistent high standards of food, beverage and service, standardizing systems/procedures, and overall team morale. Once that location is stabilized, this person will return to Los Angeles to work in close collaboration with ownership on planned expansion. Long term, it is expected that the DO will serve as the opening leader for all future restaurant locations, and will spend significant time in new markets surrounding new opening timelines.
The ideal candidate for this role is an entrepreneurial self-starter with a proven background in elevated dining concepts. Looking for someone with an inspiring but firm approach to leadership, who is comfortable working with teams to hold them accountable, allowing for consistency across the restaurants. A collaborative, hands-on leadership style, passion for hospitality, and proven experience fostering a strong culture of excellence are all critical to this role. A great opportunity for a talented operator with great judgement, instincts, and a strong sense of culture!
Responsibilities Include:
- Work as a resource for all operators and leadership in the group. Nurture those relationships, and help support their vision in line with company philosophy
- Establish clear processes and standards while upholding company culture and service levels to increase sales and minimize costs, including food, beverage, supply, utility and labor costs
- Provide hands-on, dedicated support to the Nashville team in order to stabilize restaurant operations and position the location to function successfully and independently
- Continuously strive to develop the team and staff by providing ongoing feedback, establishing performance expectations and conducting regular supervisory performance reviews
- 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
- Coach, evaluate, develop, and motivate staff by setting expectations, recognizing achievements, and aligning performance goals with company goals
- Ensure that all policies, forms and procedures are consistently and properly executed by teams at each of the restaurants
- Take initiative and help to build business
- Work to standardize any manuals or forms that can better help streamline operations through the restaurants
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as necessary to achieve operational goals
- Lead and mentor restaurant managers and staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Maintain a strong presence in the restaurants on a regular basis
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards in accordance with local regulations and company policies
- Collaborate with the culinary teams to maintain high-quality food and beverage offerings and exceptional guest experiences
- Work closely with ownership and upper management to develop and execute strategies that drive profitability, enhance guest satisfaction, and maintain high standards of quality
- Close collaboration with ownership on future restaurant openings and broader company growth strategy
- Act as the opening leader for all future restaurant openings within the group, with a significant presence onsite pre- and post-opening
- Foster strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and other external partners to ensure seamless operations and cost-effective procurement
- Stay up to date on industry trends, competition, and customer preferences to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement
- Dedicated to guest service, experience, and employee retention
- Understand and comply with state, local, and federal labor laws
Candidate Requirements:
- 5-6+ years of progressive, upscale, full-service restaurant management experience with at least 2-3 years of experience in a multi-unit role (Regional or Area Director/Manager, Director of Operations, Multi-Unit General Manager (GM), or comparable role)
- Diverse restaurant experience and an understanding of elevated dining
- Strategic background with a passion for hospitality and the ability to oversee multiple direct reports
- 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
- Meticulous attention to detail and very systems-oriented
- Willingness to be very hands on with staff in order to supporting their ongoing growth and learning
- Energetic, positive, reliable and dependable
- 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
- Entrepreneurial, ownership mentality when it comes to strategizing company growth/brand expansion
- Knowledge of industry regulations, health and safety standards, and market-specific compliance requirements
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed; must be able to work flexible hours/schedule necessary to manage and operate the concepts effectively
- Requires long stretches of standing, occasional carrying, pushing or pulling of items up to 50 lbs in weight
- Food safety certification
Compensation Package Includes:
- Base Salary in the $120-140k range DOE
- Bonus Potential
- Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits
- 2 Weeks Paid Vacation
- 5 Days of Sick Leave
- Relocation Assistance + Temp Housing