Vice President of Operations at DeVita & Hancock Hospitality in New York, New York, United States

Job description

• The Vice President of Operations is a dynamic and results-driven executive who will lead operational excellence across existing and new markets. This role is responsible for developing and executing SOPs, driving performance, and scaling store operations with a hands-on, servant-leader mentality. The VP of Operations will be instrumental in launching new locations, mentoring field leadership, building strong teams, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• This role is ideal for someone whos risen through the ranksfrom cashier or cook to senior leadershipwho leads like a high school coach: tough but empathetic, motivational, and inspiring.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Culture
• Cultivate a high-performing culture centered on accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement
• Lead and inspire field teams, creating a collaborative and motivating work environment
• Foster a servant-leader approach that balances compassion with operational discipline
• Operational Excellence
• Oversee daily operations across all restaurant locations, ensuring adherence to SOPs and brand standards
• Monitor performance metrics and implement strategies to improve sales, speed of service, profitability, and guest satisfaction
• Drive consistency across markets while remaining agile and adaptable
• Strategic Growth & Market Development
• Lead new store openings (NSOs) with a focus on operational readiness and scalability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teamsMarketing, Culinary, Finance, Supply Chain, and Technologyto align operations with company-wide goals
• Support strategic planning, annual budgeting, and performance benchmarks
• Team Development & Training
• Develop and mentor field leadership to build a strong internal talent pipeline
• Oversee training and development programs for managers and hourly team members
• Focus on retention, recognition, and growth opportunities to foster a people-first culture
• Guest Experience & Brand Integrity
• Ensure consistent, high-quality service and hospitality across all locations
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and compliance standards
• Reinforce operational systems that elevate the overall guest experience
• Financial & Business Management
• Lead P&L ownership and accountability at the store level
• Analyze financial data to drive performance, reduce controllable costs, and optimize labor
• Identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising guest satisfaction

Requirements

• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality, Business, or related field
• Minimum: High School Diploma or GED
• 10+ years of progressive experience in multi-unit restaurant operations (QSR or fast casual preferred)
• Proven experience scaling restaurant brands and executing new market development
• Deep understanding of restaurant financials, labor management, and cost controls
• Natural leader with a commanding presencepeople listen and follow
• Excellent communicator with an extroverted, passionate personality
• Strategic and tactical thinker with the ability to work at both the ground level and executive level
• Strong background in hiring, training, and motivating entry-level and management staff
• Experience growing within the industryfrom frontline roles to executive leadership
• Passionate about hospitality and building great teams

Skills

Required

• Multi-unit restaurant operations
• Scaling restaurant brands
• New market development
• Restaurant financials
• Labor management
• Cost controls
• Leadership
• Communication
• Strategic thinking
• Tactical thinking
• Hiring
• Training