Head of Operations - Bakery Operations/Retail

Company Overview: We are a private equity-backed restaurant company specializing in baked goods, with a unique focus on creating memorable dining experiences and fostering strong community connections. Alongside our in-restaurant offerings, we emphasize event-based sales and community-driven initiatives to expand our reach and drive growth. As we continue to scale, we are seeking a results-driven Head of Operations to lead and optimize our operational strategies across all facets of the business.

Position Summary: The Head of Operations will oversee all aspects of daily operations, ensuring the seamless delivery of high-quality products and experiences while driving efficiency and profitability. Reporting directly to the CEO, this leader will develop and execute strategies to scale operations, grow event and community sales, and build a strong operational foundation to support long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership:

   • Lead and oversee all restaurant operations, including production, service, inventory, and logistics.

   • Develop and implement operational standards and processes to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all locations.

   • Manage day-to-day operations while identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.

2. Events & Community Sales:

   • Develop and execute strategies to grow revenue from events, catering, and community partnerships.

   • Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to build strong relationships with local organizations, schools, and businesses to drive event bookings.

   • Oversee the logistics and execution of events to ensure customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

3. Team Leadership & Development:

   • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

   • Implement training programs to ensure staff alignment with company values, standards, and goals.

   • Empower restaurant managers and teams to excel in their roles while driving consistent execution across locations.

4. Financial Performance:

   • Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management for all operational functions.

   • Drive cost efficiency through labor optimization, inventory management, and vendor negotiations.

   • Monitor and analyze KPIs to ensure alignment with company growth and profitability objectives.

5. Product & Experience Quality:

   • Ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality baked goods and exceptional guest experiences.

   • Partner with culinary and creative teams to maintain the integrity of the brand and innovate product offerings.

   • Monitor customer feedback and industry trends to refine operational and service standards.

6. Scaling & Growth:

   • Develop and execute strategies to scale operations, including expanding the company’s event sales infrastructure and optimizing workflows.

   • Collaborate with the executive team to identify and prioritize new growth opportunities.

   • Build scalable systems and processes to support multi-unit expansion.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 8+ years of operational leadership experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry, with a strong background in baked goods or specialty food concepts. Experience with event-driven sales or community-based initiatives is highly desirable.

• Operational Expertise: Proven ability to manage and scale operations, with a deep understanding of restaurant logistics, inventory, and labor management.

• Leadership: Demonstrated success in building and leading teams, with a focus on employee development and engagement.

• Sales & Events Knowledge: Experience driving revenue through event sales, catering, or community partnerships.

• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of P&L management, cost controls, and operational KPIs.

• Customer Focus: Passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and creating strong community connections.