VP, Food & Beverage Innovation & Growth

UPWARD PROJECTS; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 185,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Vision & dental insurance

Paid time off

401K with company match

Flexible spending accounts

Teledoc Services

Long Term Disability

Parental leave

Meal discounts

Mental wellness programs

Anniversary rewards

Job summary

UPWARD PROJECTS is seeking a Vice President of Food & Beverage to lead culinary and beverage innovation and end-to-end supply chain strategy across all brands. You will shape the innovation roadmap, partner with Operations, Marketing, Finance and Development, and drive scalable systems for multi-state expansion while balancing cost and guest experience.

The role demands a track record of senior leadership in multi-unit hospitality, strong supplier networks, and a data-driven approach to margin

Qualifications

• 10–12 years in culinary innovation and supply chain roles.
• At least 5 years of senior leadership experience.
• Proven menu, beverage, and product innovation in multi-unit hospitality.
• Experience managing supplier networks and distribution systems.
• Track record of cost reductions and margin improvement.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders.
• Understanding of restaurant operations and scalability.
• Experience with growth and new market expansion.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary, beverage innovation and supply chain strategy across brands.
• Develop and execute a long-term innovation roadmap.
• Drive menu and product innovation from concept to scale.
• Identify trends to strengthen brand differentiation.
• Partner with Culinary, Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Development.
• Champion a test-and-learn culture balancing creativity and profitability.
• Oversee end-to-end supply chain including sourcing, procurement, distribution, inventory, supplier partnerships.
• Build scalable supply chain systems for multi-state expansion.
• Negotiate supplier agreements to improve quality and cost
• Lead initiatives to reduce cost of goods while maintaining quality.
• Monitor commodity markets and proactive sourcing.
• Establish operational standards for consistency and scale.
• Oversee equipment strategy, kitchen and bar design, production workflows for openings/remodels.
• Evaluate new technologies, equipment and processes to improve efficiency.
• Partner with Operations and Facilities to optimize restaurant design, throughput, labor productivity, food safety.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and strategic alignment.
• Measure and communicate impact of innovation and margins.
• Support growth by creating scalable systems for guest experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic planning

Supplier management

Cost reduction

Menu development

Operations knowledge

Team building

Negotiation

Job description

UPWARD PROJECTS is seeking a Vice President of Food & Beverage to lead culinary and beverage innovation and end-to-end supply chain strategy across all brands. You will shape the innovation roadmap, partner with Operations, Marketing, Finance and Development, and drive scalable systems for multi-state expansion while balancing cost and guest experience.

The role demands a track record of senior leadership in multi-unit hospitality, strong supplier networks, and a data-driven approach to margin