Director Of Restaurants | NYC
A well-known NYC hospitality management group seeks an experienced, hands-on leader to fill the role of director of restaurants. This role involves direct oversight and accountability across three restaurant outlets within a bustling hotel, balancing administrative responsibilities with an active, visible presence during service. This position requires a proactive, strategic leader who prioritizes high standards in guest service, cost control, and team development.
Core Responsibilities:
Floor Presence & Administrative Oversight:
- Maintain a strong floor presence during all service periods, completing administrative duties in off-hours to ensure effective operation.
- Hold full accountability for managing floor operations, directly overseeing General Managers, Service Directors, and Restaurant Managers.
- Delegate scheduling and payroll responsibilities to outlet leaders, ensuring timely and efficient administrative processes aligned with service periods.
Cost Control & Financial Accountability:
- Demonstrate expertise in real-time cost control, actively managing labor and product costs to meet budgeted targets.
- Monitor and guide each outlet to achieve revenue and check average goals, providing hands-on support to managers as needed.
Management & Team Development:
- Conduct regular weekly meetings with each outlet’s management team, emphasizing accountability, KPIs, and budget alignment.
- Invest time mentoring the management team to foster a unified, high-performance culture that positively impacts the kitchen and floor staff.
- Ensure proactive, consistent documentation and follow-up with HR on any staff-related issues, maintaining a high standard for workplace conduct and accountability.
Operational Best Practices:
- Audit all service periods regularly, maintaining a flexible, semi-stable schedule to ensure broad oversight.
- Proactively manage staff coverage, especially during high-demand periods, to avoid understaffing; approve vacation requests only when adequate coverage is confirmed.
- Foster a collaborative environment, guiding managers to self-initiate improvements while ensuring that major policy changes receive proper oversight and approval.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong background in hospitality management with direct experience overseeing multiple restaurant outlets.
- Proven expertise in cost management, scheduling, and operational efficiency.
- A strategic and proactive communicator who values team development and mentorship.
- Self-starter with a hands-on approach and a keen understanding of when to seek approval or collaboration.
This role is ideal for a proactive, experienced leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences through skilled, engaged teams.