Seeking a hands-on, results-driven Director of Operations to oversee a growing portfolio of mission-driven restaurant concepts across New York City. This leader will be responsible for operational excellence, financial performance, and revenue growth across multiple brands within the portfolio
This role is designed for a traditional multi-unit restaurant operator who thrives in fast-paced environments, leads from the front, and understands how to balance hospitality, fiscal discipline, and growth. The Director of Operations will serve as the connective tissue between culinary, front-of-house teams, catering, and leadership, ensuring consistency, profitability, and an exceptional guest experience across all locations.
Position Summary
The Director of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day and strategic oversight of all restaurant operations within restaurant portfolio. This includes fiscal management, purchasing, staffing, compliance, and performance optimization across multiple units. The role also carries responsibility for advancing in-restaurant, online, and catering sales channels while maintaining brand integrity and operational consistency.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, financially and technologically literate, people-centered, and deeply experienced in multi-unit restaurant operations in the NYC market.
Core Responsibilities
Multi-Unit Operational Leadership
Oversee daily operations across all JD Meals restaurant brands and locations.
Ensure consistency in service standards, food quality, safety, and guest experience.
Maintain strong on-site presence; lead through regular visits and hands-on engagement.
Build and reinforce SOPs, systems, and operational workflows across units.
Financial & Fiscal Oversight
Own P&L performance across all locations.
Develop and manage operating budgets, forecasts, and cost controls.
Monitor and optimize labor, food cost, and operating expenses.
Identify margin improvement opportunities and implement corrective action.
Revenue Growth & Sales Development
Advance in-restaurant, online ordering, and catering sales channels.
Collaborate with marketing and leadership on promotions and growth strategies.
Develop systems to drive repeat business, community engagement, and brand visibility.
Identify and execute opportunities for new revenue streams and partnerships.
Purchasing & Supply Chain Management
Oversee vendor relationships, procurement, and purchasing systems.
Standardize ordering processes and ensure cost efficiency.
Maintain inventory control and waste reduction initiatives.
Hiring, Training & People Management
Lead recruitment, onboarding, and development of restaurant leadership teams.
Supervise General Managers and site leadership across all brands.
Establish accountability structures and performance management systems.
Foster a strong, mission-aligned workplace culture.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure compliance with NYC DOH regulations, safety standards, and company protocols.
Oversee QA/QC processes, sanitation, and operational audits.
Implement training and documentation systems for operational compliance.
Communication & Cross-Functional Coordination
Serve as a key liaison between operations, culinary, catering, and executive leadership.
Communicate operational priorities, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives.
Lead regular operations meetings and reporting.
New Restaurant Opening Leadership
The Director of Operations will lead the full lifecycle opening of The Ellis, from pre-opening through launch and stabilization. This includes building the operational foundation, assembling the team, and ensuring the restaurant opens successfully and performs from day one.
Responsibilities include:
Partnering with leadership, culinary, and design teams during final build-out and pre-opening planning
Developing pre-opening timelines, budgets, and operational plans
Hiring and onboarding all restaurant leadership and hourly staff
Establishing SOPs, service standards, and training programs
Building purchasing systems, vendor relationships, and inventory processes
Coordinating licensing, compliance, and DOH readiness
Supporting brand positioning and go-to-market strategy in partnership with marketing
Driving pre-opening awareness, partnerships, and community engagement
Overseeing soft opening, grand opening, and post-launch operational stabilization
Monitoring early financial performance and adjusting staffing, systems, and workflows as needed
This leader will be expected to operate as the primary operational driver of the opening, ensuring The Ellis launches on time, on budget, and with strong guest reception
Leadership Expectations
Hands-on and present in restaurants
A strong communicator with frontline teams and executives
Systems-oriented and operationally disciplined
Comfortable in both strategic planning and tactical execution
Mission-aligned and passionate about food, community, and hospitality
Able to balance growth with operational stability
Success Metrics
Revenue growth across in-restaurant, online, and catering channels
Improved margins through labor and food cost management
Consistent guest satisfaction and service standards
Strong retention and development of restaurant leadership teams
Operational consistency across brands and locations