Head of Operations & Strategy

Job Overview Lev Kitchen is searching for an entrepreneurial, high-energy, and deeply strategic Head of Operations & Strategy to spearhead our next chapter of aggressive growth. We are a fast-casual scratch kitchen concept with a passion for local food systems and sourcing high-quality products. Currently scaling rapidly, we are expanding from 1 location to 4 locations this year, with a locked-in pipeline to open 2 additional locations in 2027. We need a dynamic builder who has proven experience opening restaurants or businesses in completely new markets. Reporting directly to the founder, you will oversee day-to-day operations across multiple locations, design and implement scalable operational systems, and directly lead our regional footprint expansion. This role requires an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys the rush of a busy restaurant, and is fully ready to get their hands dirty while building a world-class hospitality brand. Core Responsibilities Multi-Unit Operations Management: Oversee, optimize, and standardize day-to-day operations across all active restaurant locations to ensure consistent profitability, quality, and guest experience. Strategic Expansion & Market Scouting: Lead the playbook for entering new markets. This includes traveling on occasion to explore and evaluate new site opportunities in target expansion cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and Cleveland. System Building & Scaling: Transform a growing independent concept into a highly scalable brand by constructing robust operational infrastructure, supply chain channels, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Team Leadership & Development: Guide the hiring, training, supervision, and ongoing development of location managers and team members. Foster a culture commitment to building diverse, high-performing teams. Scratch Kitchen Sourcing: Maintain a strict passion for local food systems, managing vendors and logistics to ensure the continuous flow of top-tier, locally sourced products into our scratch kitchens. Guest Service Excellence: Set the benchmark for delivering world-class service to our guests. Maintain a calm, tactful, and authoritative demeanor while orchestrating high-volume service windows with a sense of urgency and follow-through. Qualifications Proven experience in operational management, strategic planning, and large-scale organizational change management at an executive level. Demonstrated success in business development management and managing complex projects from inception to completion. Strong background in financial management including budgeting, forecasting, profit/loss analysis, and operational analysis. Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with executives and stakeholders at all levels. Expertise in process improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma is preferred. Experience supervising senior leadership teams and managing large-scale organizational transformations. Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of motivating teams toward shared goals in fast-paced environments. Ability to analyze data for strategic decision making and continuous improvement initiatives. Join us as we shape the future of our organization through innovative strategies and operational excellence! Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year Work Location: In person

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