Director, Operations

We are a lifestyle brand!

We are on a mission to provide the world with simple, wholesome food and beverage items that fit today's lifestyle, offering an intimate - yet fast and consistent - experience to our customers.

We love and take pride in what we do, and we currently offer an exciting opportunity to join a thriving and ever-growing brand in this industry.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Director of Operations will oversee the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of multiple restaurant locations, ensuring efficient, profitable, and high-quality service. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of restaurant management, and the ability to drive growth while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, customer service, and operational efficiency.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operational & Portfolio Oversight: Direct and manage all daily operational aspects across 18 to 20 restaurant locations to ensure consistent performance, customer satisfaction, and brand standards.

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and hold accountable 6 to 8 Regional Managers, while empowering store-level General Managers and team members. Foster a positive culture, build strong leadership bench strength, and drive recruitment, training, and retention across the region.

• Financial Management & YOY Growth: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and P&L performance for all locations. Monitor key metrics (P&L statements, labor, food cost, prime cost) and execute high-level strategies to drive profitability and manage aggressive Year-Over-Year (YOY) growth across the market.

• Quality Control & Compliance: Ensure all locations rigorously adhere to brand standards, health and safety regulations, and operational policies. Conduct structured regional audits to maintain top-tier food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence.

• Strategic Planning & Market Expansion: Collaborate with senior executive leadership to develop and execute long-term operational strategies. Drive process efficiencies, scale operational systems to support expansion, and lead the planning and execution of new restaurant openings (NROs) across the market.

• Customer Experience: Track customer feedback metrics across the region and implement targeted strategies to elevate guest satisfaction, speed of service, and food quality.

• Inventory & Supply Chain Oversight: Direct high-level inventory control processes, optimize stock management, and maintain cost-effective relationships with suppliers and supply chain partners.

• Performance Analysis & Reporting: Analyze regional performance data and present detailed reports to senior leadership on operational metrics, market growth, and profitability. Proactively identify underperforming locations and deploy actionable turnaround plans.

• Crisis Management: Serve as the primary escalation point for critical operational issues, emergency management, and high-level problem resolution to minimize operational downtime and protect brand reputation

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field (Master’s degree / MBA preferred).

• Minimum of 7–10 years of multi-unit restaurant leadership, with proven experience overseeing 15+ locations and managing a direct team of multi-unit/regional leaders. High-volume Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) or fast-casual experience preferred.

• Proven track record of managing and scaling Year-Over-Year (YOY) market growth, new store rollouts, and multi-unit expansions.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and hold accountable a senior field team (6–8 Regional Managers).

• Advanced P&L mastery, budget oversight, cost containment strategies, and financial forecasting for a multi-million dollar store portfolio.

• Deep understanding of restaurant management best practices, health and safety compliance, and operational systems. ServSafe Manager / Food Safety Certification preferred.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in enterprise restaurant software, POS platforms, inventory tools, and scheduling software. Track record of implementing technology-driven operational efficiencies at scale preferred.

• Formal project management experience or certifications (e.g., managing new unit openings) preferred.

• Ability to travel frequently across the assigned 18–20 store market, with flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as business operations require.

BENEFITS:

• Health & Wellness – Medical, Dental & Vision

• PTO

• Discounted Meals

• Growth Opportunities

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match

The general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job classification are contained in this job description. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, essential job functions, duties, skills required and other job requirements of personnel in this role. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to the job at any time.

Pura Vida Miami is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels welcome, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We believe that building a team with diverse perspectives and experiences makes us stronger, more creative, and more connected to the communities we serve.

Agency Disclaimer

We’ve got this covered! At Pura Vida Miami, our Talent Acquisition team leads all hiring efforts internally. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, we mean it. Any resumes sent our way without a signed agreement in place (including those sent directly to our team or hiring managers) will be considered property of Pura Vida Miami and we won’t be responsible for any fees. If you’re interested in partnering with us, reach out to our Talent team first. We’re happy to connect the right way!