Director of Culinary Operations - Casual Dining

Description

Operational Leadership

• Develop and implement operational tools, frameworks, and strategies aligned with annual goals

• Provide ongoing oversight and support to daily BOH operations across all locations

• Monitor and analyze performance indicators to drive continuous improvement

• Assess store-level sentiment and culture, intervening where needed to strengthen engagement and “vibe”

• Support guest experience excellence through strong BOH execution

• Play an active role in new store openings, from build-out to operational launch

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, partners, and internal stakeholders

• Ensure clear, effective communication across operations, culinary, and support teams

Team Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop regional BOH leaders and store-level kitchen managers

• Recruit and develop future BOH leadership talent

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and recognition

• Build bench strength and future-proof markets through intentional succession planning

Quality Assurance & Standards

• Act as a key bridge between Culinary and Operations teams

• Develop, implement, and sustain SOPs that drive consistency, quality, cleanliness, and food safety

• Conduct regular site visits and audits to reinforce standards and coach in real time

• Travel approximately one week per month to support field leadership

Financial Management

• Oversee food cost controls, inventory systems, and vendor performance across markets

• Monitor BOH P&L performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and margins

• Develop tools and coaching strategies to support teams in achieving labour and cost targets

• Partner with FOH Operations leadership on budgeting, CapEx planning, and repair & maintenance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with FOH Operations to ensure seamless end-to-end guest experiences

• Partner with Culinary and Marketing teams on menu rollouts and promotional execution

• Coordinate with store leadership on equipment maintenance, upgrades, and capital needs

Innovation & Growth

• Introduce new systems, tools, and technologies to improve efficiency and scalability

• Support the design and operational planning of new locations

• Pilot new processes before scaling across the portfolio

• Stay ahead of industry trends to maintain a competitive operational advantage

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive BOH leadership experience, ideally within multi-unit restaurant operations

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and retain regional and store-level kitchen leaders

• Strong background in food safety, compliance, and operational systems

• Solid financial acumen with experience managing BOH P&L performance across multiple locations

• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills

• Ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on operational detail

• Calm under pressure, highly organized, and effective across complex environments

Corporate Culture

• Salary range: $120,000 – $140,000 (inclusive of bonus)

• Travel allowance

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Three weeks’ vacation to start

• Opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the future of a growing, values-driven restaurant group