Director of Operations

Director of Operations | Upscale Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar Concept | Greater Philadelphia, PA Posted by FTK Hospitality LLC — Executive Recruiting

This isn't your average local spot . And this isn't your average Director of Operations search.

Our client is a growing, chef-driven restaurant group rooted in the Greater Philadelphia market — a concept that's carved out its own lane by combining the energy and accessibility of an upscale neighborhood restaurant & bar with scratch kitchens that genuinely compete with the best casual dining in the region. The food isn't an afterthought here. It's a point of pride.

They're growing. And they need a Director of Operations who has been there before — someone who knows what it takes to scale a multi-unit brand without losing what makes it special.

The Role

As Director of Operations, you'll oversee a portfolio of locations across the Greater Philadelphia area, reporting directly to senior leadership. You'll be on the ground, in the restaurants, working side by side with your GMs to drive performance, build culture, and protect the guest experience as the brand expands.

This is a high-visibility role with real upside — a competitive base salary and one of the stronger bonus programs in the market.

What You'll Own

• Full operational oversight across multiple locations — people, performance, and profitability
• Partner with GMs to develop their leadership skills and build high-performing teams at every level
• Protect and elevate the guest experience and brand standards across all units
• Work closely with culinary leadership to ensure the scratch kitchen program stays sharp and consistent
• Drive revenue, manage costs, and deliver on P&L targets across the portfolio
• Play an active role in new location openings, systems development, and operational infrastructure as the brand grows
• Be a culture carrier — this group has a distinct identity and they need a DOO who gets it and guards it

What We're Looking For

• Currently overseeing 6 to 12 locations in a multi-unit Director or above capacity — minimum 3 years at that level
• Must reside in the Greater Philadelphia area — relocation is not being considered
• Background in upscale casual, chef-driven, or polished bar and grill concepts strongly preferred
• A track record of developing GMs and building teams that perform and stay
• Strong financial acumen — you know your numbers and you use them to lead
• Someone who operates with urgency, integrity, and genuine hospitality instincts
• Growth-minded — you want to be part of building something, not just maintaining it

Compensation

Competitive base salary based on experience, plus a performance bonus program that meaningfully rewards results . Full details shared with qualified candidates.

To Be Considered

This search is being conducted exclusively through FTK Hospitality LLC . Send your resume and a brief note on your current scope of responsibility to:

[email protected] linkedin.com/in/ftkhospitality

All inquiries handled with complete confidentiality. Only candidates currently in multi-unit leadership roles will be considered.