Operations Manager

Union Square Cafe’s seasonal cuisine draws inspiration from the kitchens and tables of Italy, France, and Northern California. Union Square Cafe—the flagship business that launched Union Square Hospitality Group—has been one of the country’s most beloved restaurants for more than 35 years. In our second home on 19th Street, Union Square Cafe embodies the heartfelt passion and generosity that has been the restaurant’s calling card since we opened in 1985. Designed by Rockwell Group, our new home preserves the restaurant’s signature charm, intimacy, and familiarity in a fresh, contemporary dining environment. Union Square Cafe has won five James Beard Awards and earned Zagat Survey’s #1 ranking as New York’s Most Popular Restaurant an unprecedented nine times.

Who you are:

The Operations Manager is a key member of USHG’s Operations team. They play a key role in continuing to find efficiencies across businesses while operating at a high level of excellence. They work to ensure there is clarity, accountability and strategy around spending within USHG businesses. Through collaboration primarily with Supply Chain, Analytics and Facilities departments and a close working relationship with all restaurant leadership, the Operations Manager will ensure that the teams have the systems and due diligence in place to ensure best decision-making regarding venue and business spends. Additional key relationships would include external vendors and trades as well as internal departments such as Finance and Accounting, Technology and more. The Operations Manager has a meaningful positive impact on both the management teams and the restaurant P&L and makes decisions in line with Budgets and Forecasts.

What you’ll do:

• Cultivate a culture of Enlightened Hospitality for all stakeholders that supports our business objectives and growth
• Oversee Foodager and Bevager (Craftable) to optimize the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), purchasing decisions, pricing, and spending
• Develop and maintain purchasing systems, SOPs, and training to ensure accurate ordering, consistent product specifications, proper GL coding, and effective use of Craftable
• Partner with restaurant leadership, Finance, and Accounting to monitor COGS KPIs, maintain accurate inventory records, process invoices promptly, and ensure accurate period-end closes and accruals
• Collaborate with the USHG Facilities team to oversee preventative maintenance, repairs, and maintenance spending, ensuring work is completed on schedule, within budget, and according to contract
• Manage operational projects and vendor relationships from approval through completion, coordinating stakeholders, tracking budgets and timelines, and ensuring accurate invoicing
• Lead the implementation and adoption of new technology, systems, and procedures through clear communication, training, and effective change management
• Create and maintain Operations Handbook documenting key vendors, furniture and fixture specifications, and other essential operational details

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group,  extending Enlightened Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As an Operations Manager, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay and bonus potential : Annual compensation of $70,000 plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus, with consideration for your experience and impact
• Comprehensive health coverage:  Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work
• Investing in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings
• Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services.
• Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship
• Hospitality perks: Annual dining credit and a 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants
• Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking
• Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality.

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

• We play to win with humble swagger.  Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong
• Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dots  to build uplifting experiences and relationships
• Center the salt shaker  with an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most
• Write a great next chapter.  The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled
• Bring a charitable assumption  and err on the side of generosity
• Leave our campsite better than we found it;  always responsible for the impact of our wake

*The above represents the expected salary for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.