Director of Operations

Director of Operations STATUS: Full-Time / Exempt DEPARTMENT: Operations REPORTS TO: CEO / Owner JOB SUMMARY The Director of Operations leads and oversees all aspects of day-to-day upscale full-service restaurant operations for our Korean BBQ dining concept, with a passion for Korean food, culture, and hospitality. This role is responsible for building a team environment a deep sense of warmth, connection, and care — while driving operational excellence across front-of-house and back-of-house functions. The ideal candidate brings both strategic vision and hands-on leadership to ensure every guest experiences authentic Korean BBQ culture at its finest. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership & Culture • Champion and preserve the authentic Korean BBQ dining experience, ensuring cultural values are embedded in every aspect of service, atmosphere, and team culture • Lead, mentor, coach, develop, and motivate a high-performing team that embodies Korean hospitality

making every guest feel warmly welcomed • Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and pride in serving exceptional Korean cuisine • Develop and execute onboarding and ongoing training programs that educate staff on Korean food, culture, KBBQ etiquette, and authentic service standards Strategy & Business Development • Develop and implement a strategic operating plan that supports the organization’s vision and goals • Support and lead new design/build projects and special assignments as needed • Design, monitor, and continuously improve business practices through analysis and collaboration to meet or exceed performance targets • Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and drive organic growth opportunities Operations Management • Oversee all front-of-house and back-of-house operations, including grill station management, ventilation systems, and tableside service protocols specific to KBBQ dining • Own short- and long-term operational planning and day-to-day management across all locations • Develop, implement, and continuously improve standard operating procedures to ensure consistent quality • Manage scheduling, staffing levels, and labor efficiency to meet the demands of high-volume KBBQ service Financial Management • Monitor and manage COGS, labor, KPIs, and other key financial metrics to track and drive performance • Monitor and forecast revenues and expenses to ensure company goals are met on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis • Ensure strict compliance with all applicable codes, standards, and industry best practices Menu, Supply Chain & Quality • Partner with culinary leadership to ensure authentic preparation and presentation of Korean BBQ meats, banchan (side dishes), sauces, and traditional accompaniments • Develop and manage relationships with Korean food suppliers and importers to source authentic ingredients (e.g., gochugaru, doenjang, high-quality marbled beef and pork cuts) • Stay current with Korean food and dining trends, both domestically and in Korea, to keep the menu and experience relevant and exciting • Stay up to date with broader food and beverage trends and best practices across the industry Compliance & Safety • Ensure full compliance with all applicable health, safety, fire, and building codes, with particular attention to KBBQ-specific requirements (ventilation, open-flame grills, gas systems) • Maintain all food safety certifications and ensure team compliance with sanitation standards • Perform other duties as assigned EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE • Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered • Minimum 10 years of experience in the restaurant or food service industry • At least 5 years in a senior leadership or multi-unit management role • Prior experience in Korean cuisine, KBBQ, or Asian dining concepts strongly preferred • Familiarity with Korean food culture, dining customs, and ingredient sourcing is a significant plus SKILLS & ABILITIES • Proven strategic leadership with the ability to translate vision into operational results • Deep appreciation for Korean food and culture, with genuine enthusiasm for sharing that passion with guests and staff • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; ability to lead diverse teams with empathy and clarity • Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgets, and cost controls • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and restaurant management/POS systems • Ability to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by restaurant operations • Bilingual (English/Korean) is a plus