Director of Operations

Pine Hall | Hudson's Detroit 3000 Nick Gilbert Way Detroit, MI 48226, USA Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), founded by celebrated restaurateur Danny Meyer, is bringing its award-winning approach to hospitality and people-first culture to Downtown Detroit in early 2026. Guided by Enlightened Hospitality, USHG’s philosophy puts employees first, creating an environment where talent thrives, guests feel cared for, and excellence is a daily standard. Located at Hudson’s Detroit on Woodward Avenue, our team will be at the heart of the city’s Central Business District, surrounded by world‑class dining, shopping, public spaces, art, and culture – all steps away from major sports venues and the Detroit Riverfront. This is a chance to be part of something truly special: a dynamic destination that combines city culture, community, and experiences. Join us as we bring USHG’s signature hospitality to Detroit, and help shape the future of the city’s vibrant dining scene. Who you are: The Director of Operations is responsible for driving operational excellence and ensuring the overall performance. In partnership with the General Manager and Executive Chef who will both report to this person, this leader sets, meets, and exceeds business goals while aligning with the mission, values, and vision of Union Square Hospitality Group. This role requires a dynamic leader with strong operational expertise, a passion for hospitality, and the ability to build and inspire high‑performing teams. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a friendly yet competitive spirit, dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality to guests, employees, and stakeholders. This role also may include opportunities to visit New York for onboarding, training, and professional development. What you’ll do: Cultivate a culture of Enlightened Hospitality for all stakeholders that supports our business objectives and growth Lead the leadership team and entire staff in delivering consistent, memorable moments of hospitality while championing a culture of Enlightened Hospitality Drive the financial success of the business across all areas, reinforcing the virtuous cycle of Enlightened Hospitality for all stakeholders Collaborate with the management team to actively monitor guest feedback across all channels, identifying opportunities to enhance guest experience and cultivate a devoted base of regulars Provide consistent, constructive feedback to foster a high‑performing team dedicated to hospitality, operational excellence, and business success Maintain a strong partnership with the Executive Chef and kitchen management team to ensure alignment on business goals, initiatives, and overall execution Mentor and coach senior leaders, creating clear pathways for professional growth and development Proactively seek internal and external opportunities to grow the team while prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and belonging Balance daily operational and administrative responsibilities with sound judgment, making decisions that support both the short‑term and long‑term success of the business Establish a strong operational infrastructure by defining clear roles, goals, and resources, ensuring efficient and accessible systems and processes Serve as a key partner to Home Office departments, leveraging subject matter expertise to support the rollout, training, and communication of company‑wide initiatives Build trusting relationships with USHG leaders to foster collaboration, knowledge‑sharing, and well‑informed decision‑making Act as a strategic partner to Home Office departments, ensuring smooth execution of company‑wide initiatives, training, and operational rollouts Build trusted relationships with other USHG leaders to foster collaboration, knowledge‑sharing, and the adoption of best practices What we need from you: Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in restaurant and hospitality management, including General Manager or equivalent roles Proven expertise in restaurant operations, including financial management, team leadership, and guest experience excellence Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to analyze performance metrics and drive strategic growth Knowledge and understanding of the hospitality industry in the Detroit market Proficiency in restaurant management systems and operational processes, ensuring efficiency and consistency across all areas New opening or start‑up experience preferred Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required, with a strong emphasis on hands‑on experience and leadership capabilities 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 a Director of Operations, you’ll enjoy: Competitive pay and bonus potential: Annual compensation of $140,000–$155,000 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 Dining Credit: An annual dining credit to enjoy exceptional meals and experiences at any of our restaurants Dining Discount: 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants to share unforgettable meals with friends and loved ones 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 range 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. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr USHG - Home Office