Very successful, independent fast-casual restaurant group is seeking a highly experienced, data driven, and people-oriented VP of Operations to join their team. This is a key role for the company that will be instrumental in scaling restaurant operations as the group prepares for an exciting phase of expansion. The VP of Ops will be responsible for building upon a strong culture of excellence, spearheading innovation, and simplifying operations for repeatable and scalable growth. This role will also have a very strong emphasis on attracting, hiring, and developing top management talent companywide, so someone with a proven skillset in people development is essential. Really looking for someone who can build, train, lead, and inspire empowered teams, while developing seamless processes and systems to support multi-unit expansion. This is NOT a remote role, and this person will be primarily based out of the corporate office in greater Los Angeles. Candidates MUST be able to work onsite in person.
The ideal candidate has extensive experience with hands-on, high level multi-unit management, and a proven track record of successfully scaling multiunit business operations for sustainable growth. A background in premium fast casual or full-service restaurant concepts with strong corporate systems and structure is highly preferred. Candidates should also have a strong financial acumen, advanced understanding of KPI’s, and strong affinity for analyzing, processing, and presenting large amount of complex data so it translates to the rest of the team. Someone who can approach the business with strategic high-level thinking to effectively solve problems and improve efficiencies for scalable growth, while maintaining the highest standards for hospitality companywide and remaining a strong leader and motivator of people is critical. This is a very exciting opportunity for an experienced multiunit operator with a true ownership mentality to join a high energy, dynamic group that truly cares for their employees!
VP of Operations Responsibilities:
- Work as a resource for all Directors in the group. Nurture those relationships and help support their vision as consistent with the group’s values
- Develop and implement scalable operational frameworks for multi-unit growth and expansion into new markets
- Work in close collaboration with a diverse executive leadership team to align business goals with future growth plans
- Attract and lead/motivate top talent to the team as leaders of current and future restaurant locations
- Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends
- Review and assess location-opening playbooks, training programs, and SOPs to ensure consistency and efficiency
- Train staff on budgets and hold them accountable for the numbers
- Leading marketing plans, innovation, and impeccable hospitality and service standards company-wide
- Operate the business with a hands-on, hospitality first approach
- Problem-solve and work on site as needed to fix issues and train management staff to continue to improve
- Systems focused and ability to drive revenue
- Work to standardize any manuals or forms that can better help streamline operations throughout the restaurants
- Monitor restaurant performance to identify emerging trends and areas of opportunity, including new technology or service models
- Provide structures, support and training and development
- Help management staff to drive initiatives consistently
- Help source, implement, refine and streamline company systems (such as POS, Payroll, On-boarding, Catering, Reservations)
- Oversee the planning and critical path of any new restaurant openings
- Collaborate on financial forecasting for new markets
- Cultivate and uphold a collaborative and high-performing team culture in line with the company’s vision and values
Candidate Requirements:
- 10+ years of progressive experience working in multi-unit hospitality operations, with a proven track record of scaling businesses for ongoing growth
- At least 2-3 years if experience in an Executive level role, i.e. Vice President (VP) of Operations, Chief Operating Office (COO), Regional VP of Operations, or comparable executive level title
- Must be able to work onsite out of the corporate office in Los Angeles
- Corporate restaurant backgrounds with a strong foundation in systems and structure are highly preferred – either in upscale fast casual or full-service concepts
- A mixed culinary background and/or a basic understanding of BOH operations is a plus
- A true passion for and understanding of modern hospitality, along with the ever-changing landscape of guests’ needs and desires
- Highly skilled in opening and stabilizing new locations
- The ability to approach each day with an open mind
- Flexible, versatile, and resilient in order to embrace ongoing change and various possibilities, opportunities, perspectives, suggestions and/or concerns
- Advanced financial acumen and experience managing complex P&Ls and operational budgets
- Experience building and inspiring strong teams with an empathetic, hands-on approach
- Ability to attract and develop top-tier management talent
- Ownership mentality when operating the business
- Superior leadership, team-building, and mentorship skills with a kind and caring disposition
- Heavily data driven with the ability to take in, analyze, and present large amounts of complex information to support operational initiatives
- 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 executive leadership
- Knowledge of industry regulations, health and safety standards, and compliance requirements
- Must be able to work flexible hours as necessary to manage and operate the business effectively
- Comfortability navigating ambiguity and thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Tremendous work ethic with the ability to thrive in high pressure situations
Compensation Package Includes:
- Base Salary in the $180-210k range DOE
- Partially Covered Medical Benefits
- Optional Dental/Vision Benefits
- PTO Plan + 8 Paid Holidays