Director of Operations

Job Summary:

The Director of Operations (DOO) at Casa de Fruta will oversee and optimize the company’s diverse business operations, including hospitality services, retail, food & beverage, lodging accommodations/resort management, and other property-based ventures. This role involves spearheading strategic initiatives, enhancing operational efficiencies, and fostering a high-performing, guest-focused culture. The DOO will work closely with the executive team to ensure each business unit meets performance standards while promoting the historic and unique essence of Casa de Fruta.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership Across Business Units

• Lead day-to-day operations across all Casa de Fruta entities (hospitality, retail, RV resort, and food services), ensuring alignment with company goals, standards, and guest experience expectations.
• Develop and implement operational policies, standard operating procedures, and process improvements that support a seamless guest experience and operational efficiency across varied business functions.
• Champion safety, cleanliness, and maintenance protocols, especially within high-traffic areas like retail spaces and RV resort facilities, to provide a safe and welcoming environment for guests.

Strategic Planning and Execution for Growth

• Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to set business goals and develop a roadmap for expansion, operational enhancements, and revenue growth.
• Translate Casa de Fruta’s long-term strategic vision into operational objectives, setting actionable goals and KPIs for each business unit.
• Oversee special projects and renovations, particularly those that preserve or enhance Casa de Fruta’s historical and cultural value.

Financial Management and Budgeting

• Manage operational budgets across departments, emphasizing resource optimization, cost control, and ROI analysis.
• Work closely with finance to develop annual budgets and forecasts, identifying and addressing cost-saving opportunities.
• Oversee pricing strategies and financial policies in each business segment to maintain profitability, with a focus on competitive pricing, cost of goods sold, and margin improvements.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor a diverse team, building department-specific training programs that promote expertise, cross-functional skills, and guest-first values.
• Drive a performance culture across departments, setting clear expectations and fostering accountability and growth.
• Work closely with HR to implement employee training, retention programs, and succession planning, promoting Casa de Fruta’s values and mission.

Quality Control, Safety, and Compliance

• Develop and enforce quality standards across the property, ensuring each area meets or exceeds guest satisfaction benchmarks.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as legal standards specific to the hospitality, retail, and food service sectors.
• Regularly review and enhance security protocols for both property and guest safety, especially in high-traffic and lodging areas.

Guest Experience Enhancement

• Oversee all guest service operations, from retail to lodging, ensuring an exceptional guest experience that reflects the unique charm and heritage of Casa de Fruta.
• Implement feedback mechanisms to monitor guest satisfaction and make improvements based on guest insights and industry trends.
• Partner with marketing to enhance client engagement, repeat visitation, and guest loyalty, including initiatives that celebrate the history and community significance of Casa de Fruta.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related field; advanced degree or MBA is desired.
• 8+ years of experience in multi-departmental operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within hospitality, retail, or property management.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, P&L, forecasting, and margin analysis.
• Proven ability to lead a large, diverse team across multiple business functions and locations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and team support.
• Familiarity with compliance requirements in hospitality, food service, and retail, as well as property and guest safety protocols.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Vision and Adaptability: Ability to see and act on the big picture while adapting to Casa de Fruta’s evolving needs and market demands.
• Operational Expertise in Hospitality and Retail: Deep understanding of hospitality and retail operations, including property management, guest services, and retail merchandising.
• Guest-Centric Mindset: Strong dedication to creating a memorable guest experience that aligns with the historical and cultural significance of Casa de Fruta.

Why Join Casa de Fruta? This role offers the opportunity to lead and shape operations for an iconic, multifaceted property, blending historic preservation with modern business practices. If you are passionate about creating unforgettable experiences, driving operational excellence, and building on a legacy, we encourage you to apply.

You may remember Casa de Fruta as the little cherry stand on Pacheco Pass, or as we are today, a California landmark and traditional stop on many families journeys. At our roadside Orchard Resort in the beautiful Pacheco Valley, we welcome visitors from around the world to stay and discover all that Casa de Fruta has to offer.