Director Of Operations Services

Salt & Straw•Portland, OR

1d•$125,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Build the systems that help legendary hospitality scale. At Salt & Straw, legendary hospitality begins long before a guest walks through our doors. It starts with thoughtful operations, clear communication, and the systems that empower our teams to create moments of wonder every day. We're looking for a Director of Operations Services to build and evolve the operational foundation that helps Salt & Straw scale while preserving the creativity, hospitality, and human connection that make us unique. Reporting to the VP of Operations, you'll partner closely with leaders across the company to translate strategy into execution — creating the tools, systems, and cross-functional partnerships that empower every shop to operate with consistency while delivering the exceptional guest experiences we're known for. If you're energized by solving complex operational challenges, influencing across teams, and building infrastructure that scales alongside growth, we'd love to meet you. Why This Role Matters The systems you build won't just improve operational efficiency — they'll shape the experience of hundreds of leaders and thousands of team members across our shops. As Salt & Straw enters its next phase of growth, you'll have the opportunity to help define how one of the country's most beloved hospitality brands scales while preserving the creativity, hospitality, and human connection that make us unique. Initial Areas of Focus As Salt & Straw continues expanding into new markets, your initial focus will center on three strategic priorities: * Build the operational foundation. Design scalable operational programs, systems, communication tools, and processes that support our growing retail organization. * Make cross-functional work actually work. Partner with Marketing, Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, People Operations, Construction, and Real Estate to ensure initiatives are implemented successfully and land in shops as intended. * Be the strategic gatekeeper. Help prioritize operational work, ensuring new initiatives align with long-term company goals while protecting the field from unnecessary complexity. What You'll Do You'll help shape how Salt & Straw operates by: * Shaping the operating model that supports Salt & Straw's continued growth. * Leading cross-functional planning and project management for New Shop Openings and enterprise-wide operational initiatives. * Building scalable systems, tools, SOPs, and communication frameworks that empower our field teams. * Partnering with executive leaders to translate strategy into operational execution. * Strengthening collaboration across Operations, Marketing, Finance, Technology, Supply Chain, People Operations, and other Support Center teams. * Championing operational excellence by simplifying work, improving processes, and removing friction. * Developing operational metrics, reporting, and feedback loops that drive informed decision-making. * Coaching leaders and fostering alignment, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive leadership experience in multi-unit restaurant, hospitality, retail operations, operations services, or process improvement.
Strong operations and project management experience — both are essential.
Experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives from planning through implementation.
Experience helping organizations scale through periods of rapid growth.
Experience building operational systems, programs, or processes that support a growing business.
Strong financial and operational acumen with the ability to connect operational metrics to business outcomes.
Exceptional communication, organizational, and cross-functional leadership skills.
A collaborative leadership style that develops people, builds trust, and brings teams together around shared goals.

Nice To Haves

You naturally see how all the moving pieces connect.
You thrive at the intersection of operations, strategy, and execution.
You enjoy bringing order to complexity and creating systems that make other people's jobs easier.
You're equally comfortable discussing long-term strategy with executives as you are rolling up your sleeves to build a project plan or solve an operational challenge.
Most importantly, you're an influential partner who builds trust across functions, communicates with clarity, and knows how to move work forward — even when you don't have direct authority.

Responsibilities

Shaping the operating model that supports Salt & Straw's continued growth.
Leading cross-functional planning and project management for New Shop Openings and enterprise-wide operational initiatives.
Building scalable systems, tools, SOPs, and communication frameworks that empower our field teams.
Partnering with executive leaders to translate strategy into operational execution.
Strengthening collaboration across Operations, Marketing, Finance, Technology, Supply Chain, People Operations, and other Support Center teams.
Championing operational excellence by simplifying work, improving processes, and removing friction.
Developing operational metrics, reporting, and feedback loops that drive informed decision-making.
Coaching leaders and fostering alignment, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.