Director of Operations - Growing Hospitality Group

👉 Apply here or email us directly at

hiring@personenyc.com

Director of Operations (DOO) – High-Growth Hospitality Brand | U.S. Expansion

We’re partnering with a globally established, fast-growing hospitality brand to identify a dynamic and experienced Director of Operations (DOO) to lead its next phase of expansion across the United States.

This is a rare opportunity to join a concept with over 100 years of heritage, a strong international presence, and a clear roadmap to scale aggressively across key U.S. markets.

About the Concept

This Mediterranean-inspired, all-day café concept serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on fresh, vibrant, made-from-scratch dishes, a strong coffee program, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Designed to be a true neighborhood destination, the brand blends high-quality ingredients, approachable dining, and community-driven hospitality, creating spaces where guests come together for everyday meals, celebrations, and everything in between.

With a strong foundation internationally (80 locations) and a growing footprint in North America, the company is now entering a major U.S. growth phase, with plans to expand from 9 to 40 locations in the coming years.

The Opportunity

This is a high-impact leadership role reporting directly to the CEO, with ownership of U.S. operations (excluding select international markets).

The Director of Operations will be instrumental in building the infrastructure, leading teams, and executing a multi-market expansion strategy across key regions including New York, Boston, and Florida.

The role offers flexibility in base location (NYC, Boston, or Florida), with a strong preference for candidates who can spend time in Boston, which serves as the company’s U.S. headquarters and R&D hub.

Key Responsibilities:

Multi-Unit Leadership & Expansion

• Oversee all U.S. operations across multiple markets
• Lead new store openings, from planning through execution and stabilization
• Partner with ownership on growth strategy and market development

Operational Excellence & Scalability

• Build and implement SOPs, systems, and operational infrastructure to support rapid growth
• Ensure consistency across corporate-owned, franchise, and hybrid models
• Drive operational efficiency and service excellence across all locations

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead and develop a team of General Managers, culinary leadership, and training teams
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and long-term commitment
• Act as a hands-on leader during key openings and operational needs

Financial Oversight

• Own and manage P&L performance across all units
• Identify opportunities for growth, cost optimization, and profitability

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with culinary, training, and corporate teams to ensure alignment
• Support franchise and partner operators in maintaining brand standards
• Act as the bridge between ownership vision and field execution

Travel:

• Approximately 25% travel to support openings and operations across markets

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Director of Operations or senior multi-unit leader
• Strong background in expansion, new openings, and scaling hospitality brands
• Deep understanding of P&L management, systems, and operational structure
• A hands-on, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in growth environments
• Strong leadership presence with a focus on team development and retention
• Experience with franchise or hybrid models is a plus

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base Salary: $150,000 – $220,000
• Performance Bonus Equity/ESOP participation
• Potential relocation support ($5K–$10K range, case-by-case)

Why This Role:

This is more than just an operations role—it’s an opportunity to build and scale a brand during a pivotal growth phase in the U.S.

You’ll work closely with ownership, shape strategy, build high-performing teams, and play a key role in transforming a globally respected concept into a leading U.S. brand.

If you’re a hospitality leader who thrives in high-growth environments, enjoys building structure within expansion, and is excited about long-term impact—we’d love to connect.

👉 Apply here or email us directly at

hiring@personenyc.com