Vice President of Operations

Rooted•Center Moriches, NY

12d

About The Position

Rooted Hospitality Group (RHG) is seeking a hands-on Vice President of Operations to lead operational execution across its restaurant locations in New York, South Carolina, and Louisiana. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this role is accountable for restaurant performance, financial results, operating standards, and implementation of company-wide initiatives. The position partners closely with the COO to turn company priorities into measurable results, strengthen operating consistency, and support exceptional guest experiences. By taking ownership of operational execution, the VP enables the COO to focus on long-term vision, growth, innovation, and broader organizational strategy. The VP oversees restaurant operations through Regional Directors and other designated operations leaders, while working across Finance, HR, Marketing, Culinary, Facilities, and other support functions. The role requires regular travel to restaurant locations across the three states. RHG describes its culture as centered on genuine hospitality, exceptional products, servant leadership, integrity, growth, and memorable dining experiences.

Requirements

Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive restaurant operations experience, including substantial senior multi-unit or multi-market leadership responsibility.
Proven record of improving execution, guest experience, and results across multiple restaurants, concepts, or geographic markets.
Strong command of restaurant P&Ls, budgeting, forecasting, labor management, cost controls, and performance indicators.
Ability to direct and hold senior operations leaders accountable while balancing day-to-day priorities with company-wide objectives.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively with executives, support teams, and restaurant leadership.
Sound judgment, urgency, and ability to make effective decisions in fast-paced, complex operating environments.
Ability and willingness to travel regularly to restaurant locations across New York, South Carolina, and Louisiana.

Nice To Haves

Experience overseeing operations across multiple states is strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
Experienced multi-unit leader with a team-first attitude.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, busy environment.

Responsibilities

Oversee restaurant operations across New York, South Carolina, and Louisiana through Regional Directors and other designated operations leaders.
Set clear expectations, maintain accountability, and ensure consistent execution across markets and brands.
Own operational performance against portfolio budgets and financial targets; review P&Ls, sales trends, labor, food and beverage costs, and other key measures, and drive corrective action.
Ensure restaurant teams execute RHG standards for hospitality, food quality, service, cleanliness, and efficiency.
Establish operating rhythms, field visits, audits, and follow-through on action plans.
Set priorities for Regional Directors, review results, hold them accountable, resolve cross-market obstacles, and escalate significant risks or strategic decisions to the COO.
Translate the COO’s strategic priorities into practical operating plans with milestones, ownership, and measurable outcomes; coordinate implementation and report progress, challenges, and results.
Use guest feedback, service metrics, and field observations to identify opportunities, address recurring issues, and protect brand integrity.
Partner with Finance, HR, Marketing, Culinary, Facilities, and other support functions to align resources, resolve operational issues, and execute initiatives across locations.
Maintain oversight of operational compliance with food safety, health, workplace safety, and other applicable requirements, partnering with internal experts.
Provide executive-level operational direction during significant service disruptions, emergencies, and other business challenges, with timely communication and appropriate escalation.
Establish performance-review cadence, operational scorecards, and concise updates to the COO covering results, risks, decisions needed, and next steps.