Senior Operations Manager - Jake Melnick's

Compass Group•Chicago, IL

7d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of restaurant operations at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and financial performance. This role partners closely with the General Manager and culinary leadership to drive service execution, team development, labor management, and business results in a high-volume hospitality environment. The Senior Operations Manager provides leadership to managers, supervisors, and hourly team members while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive restaurant or hospitality leadership experience.
Proven success managing high-volume restaurant operations.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing labor, expenses, and operational budgets.
Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance standards.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily front- and back-of-house operations to ensure consistent execution and service excellence.
Lead managers and team members during high-volume service periods and special events.
Develop and implement operational processes that improve efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Conduct operational walkthroughs and maintain standards for quality, cleanliness, and service.
Partner with culinary leadership to ensure seamless coordination between service and kitchen teams.
Recruit, train, coach, and develop management and hourly team members.
Build a high-performing culture focused on accountability, engagement, and retention.
Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities.
Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
Manage labor performance, staffing strategies, and scheduling to optimize productivity.
Analyze sales, labor, and operational metrics to drive business decisions.
Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost-control initiatives.
Identify opportunities to improve profitability while maintaining service standards.
Champion a guest-first culture that delivers memorable dining experiences.
Address and resolve escalated guest concerns with professionalism and urgency.
Monitor guest feedback and implement service improvements as needed.
Ensure compliance with company policies, health regulations, food safety standards, and liquor licensing requirements.
Maintain a safe and sanitary environment for guests and team members.
Conduct regular audits to ensure operational and regulatory compliance.
Oversee daily restaurant operations and service execution.
Monitor staffing levels and adjust labor deployment as business needs change.
Lead pre-shift meetings and communicate operational priorities.
Coach managers and team members on service and performance standards.
Resolve guest concerns and operational challenges.
Communicate key updates and business priorities to leadership teams.