Vice President of Operations

DeVita & Hancock Hospitality; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

DeVita & Hancock Hospitality is seeking a Vice President of Operations to lead operational excellence across existing and new markets. This role develops SOPs, drives performance, and scales store operations with a hands-on, servant-leader approach to guest experiences.

The ideal candidate has risen through frontline roles to senior leadership, bringing a track record of scaling brands, managing P&L, and mentoring field teams in a fast-growing restaurant group.

Qualifications

• 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 presence people listen and follow.

Responsibilities

• Lead and cultivate a high-performing culture centred on accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee daily operations across all locations, ensuring adherence to SOPs and brand standards.
• Drive new store openings with a focus on operational readiness and scalability.
• Mentor field leadership and develop training programs for managers and hourly staff.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality service and guest hospitality across locations.
• Lead P&L ownership, analyze financial data, and optimize labor and costs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

People management

Operational excellence

Guest experience

Multi-unit ops

Financial acumen

Hiring & training

Education

Bachelor's degree

High School Diploma

Job description

Location: NYC Metro Area

Compensation: $120,000 $140,000 (commensurate with experience)

Company Overview

We are a high-growth, entrepreneurial restaurant group in rapid expansion mode. With a strong foundation and a people-first culture, we’re building something special and we’re looking for a strategic operations leader to help take us to the next level.

Job Title: Vice President of Operations

Position Summary

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 who’s risen through the ranks from cashier or cook to senior leadership who leads like a high school coach: tough but empathetic, motivational, and inspiring.

Key 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 teams Marketing, Culinary, Finance, Supply Chain, and Technology to 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

Qualifications

Education

• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality, Business, or related field
• Minimum: High School Diploma or GED

Experience & Skills

• 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 presence people 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 industry from frontline roles to executive leadership
• Passionate about hospitality and building great teams