Chief Executive Officer

About the Role

Amy’s Ice Creams and Phil’s Ice House are seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the next chapter of two deeply loved Austin brands.

For more than a combined 60 years, these businesses have been built on joy, creativity, care, and the belief that business can be deeply human. As we look ahead, we are searching for a leader who understands what it means to steward a legacy and guide it forward with intention.

This role is not about reinventing who we are. It is about protecting what matters, supporting the people who make the work possible, and thoughtfully leading what comes next.

Who This Role Is For

This role is for a people-first, operationally grounded leader with deep food and beverage leadership experience who believes leadership is something you practice alongside others, not above them.

You are comfortable holding the full picture of a complex organization. You can zoom out to strategy and zoom in when things need attention. You understand the realities of food, labor, production, operations, and hospitality, and you value culture as much as performance. You know that long-term success comes from clarity, consistency, and care.

You also understand what kind of company this is. Amy’s Ice Creams and Phil’s Ice House are built to last. This role is not about rapid expansion, franchising, or positioning the business for sale. It is about stewardship, stability, and ensuring these brands are here for the next 40, 60, and 100 years.

This is a long-term role and a true stewardship opportunity.

How You Lead

You:

• Give, even when you do not have to
• Care deeply for people inside and outside the organization
• Respect all people and perspectives
• Grow continuously and stay curious
• Live authentically and lead honestly
• Empower others to do their best work
• Manage with consistency and integrity
• Serve with humility and accountability

You are as comfortable in a store on a busy weekend as you are in a leadership meeting. You show up, you listen, and you follow through.

Key Responsibilities:

Enterprise Leadership

• Oversee all day-to-day operations while leading and supporting department leaders across both brands and all departments: operations, production, marketing, finance, HR, facilities, IT, and community outreach and donations
• Ensure continued growth of the business both operationally and culturally
• Create clarity, alignment, and accountability across the leadership team
• Lead a weekly leadership team huddle focused on priorities, performance, and support
• Be regularly present across stores, production facilities, and departments, including days, nights, and weekends
• Maintain high standards for culture, service, product quality, brand expression, and appearance

Production and Operations Oversight

• Oversee production leadership and ensure production operations are efficient, safe, and aligned with business needs
• Support production planning, capacity decisions, equipment needs, and process improvements
• Ensure strong communication and alignment between production, operations, and leadership teams
• Help production leaders balance quality, consistency, timelines, and labor realities
• Step in as needed during high-volume periods, operational challenges, or system changes

Brand, Marketing, and Business Alignment

• Lead and support marketing leadership as part of the broader leadership team
• Help set business goals so marketing work aligns with operational reality
• Understand the role of third-party platforms and how they impact brand, operations, production demand, and the business

Operations, Performance, and Infrastructure

• Make thoughtful adjustments to systems and processes to support a high-performing organization
• Manage procurement and purchasing programs for both brands including negotiations, compliance, and new products
• Ensure targeted performance metrics are met by period and year to date
• Confirm accurate PTD and YTD reporting on a weekly basis

Hands-On Leadership

• Willingness to participate in heavy lifting alongside teams during peak periods and recurring annual initiatives
• Provide on-the-ground leadership support during sensitive or high-pressure situations
• Build trust through visibility, consistency, and follow-through

Finance, Legal, and Risk

• Oversee insurance programs including liability, property, and health insurance
• Manage the company 401(k) program including reporting and provider relationships
• Oversee legal matters as they arise, including real estate and operational needs

Real Estate, Facilities, and Growth

• Manage landlord and tenant relationships across all locations
• Lead lease negotiations, renewals, and compliance
• Oversee company-owned property relationships
• Manage major maintenance and repair projects including new and replacement equipment
• Manage sign vendors and artist relationships to uphold brand standards
• Lead new location identification and research
• Manage real estate brokers, general contractors, and build partners
• Oversee new builds, remodels, and warranty work

What This Role Is Not

• Not a desk-only role
• Not a single-function role
• Not a top-down leadership position
• Not a short-term stop

This role requires presence, range, and care.