Director of Operations - Full Service Restaurant
Base pay range
$100,000.00/yr - $130,000.00/yr
Overview
We are hiring a Director of Operations to lead day-to-day execution for a full-service restaurant in the Chicago market. This role is for a true operator who understands hospitality, people leadership, and the financial realities of running a full-service restaurant in a competitive urban environment. The Director of Operations will be responsible for driving consistency, performance, and culture while protecting the guest experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all front-of-house and back-of-house operations, ensuring consistent execution and service standards.
- Lead and develop the General Manager and management team with clear expectations and accountability.
- Own unit-level performance including labor, food cost, controllables, and overall P&L results.
- Partner with culinary leadership to maintain menu quality, execution, and cost controls.
- Ensure staffing levels, scheduling, and training support both guest experience and profitability.
- Implement and enforce operational systems, processes, and standards.
- Actively identify operational gaps and drive continuous improvement.
- Serve as a visible leader on the floor, setting the tone for culture and hospitality.
- Collaborate with ownership and leadership on strategy, growth, and performance initiatives.
Qualifications
- Proven experience leading operations in a full-service restaurant environment.
- Strong understanding of restaurant P&Ls and unit economics.
- Track record of building and leading high-performing management teams.
- Experience operating in high-volume, high-expectation markets preferred.
- Hands-on leadership style with a bias toward execution and accountability.
- Strong communication skills and ability to lead through pressure.
What Success Looks Like
- Consistent guest experience and strong online reputation.
- Stable, engaged management and hourly teams.
- Improved margins without sacrificing hospitality.
- Clear standards, strong culture, and disciplined execution.
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management
Industry: Restaurants
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