Director of Operations

PJW Restaurant Group is NOW HIRING a Director, Specialty Concepts!

Reports To:

Vice President of Operations Position Summary

The Director, Specialty Concepts a senior leader responsible for overall operation, growth and profitability of of the Company's portfolio of specialty restaurant concepts. Currently, this portfolio includes Pour House, Chop House, Chop House Grille, Treno, and Central, though the portfolio may evolve as the Company grows.

This role provides guidance and support to the General Managers and restaurant management teams to achieve financial targets and successfully execute company standards and the PJ Whelihan’s brand. They have full P&L responsibility for the district.

This role partners closely with Culinary, Marketing, Finance, HR, Facilities, and restaurant leadership teams to ensure each concept maintains its unique identity while achieving company objectives. The Director serves as the primary leader and advocate for the Specialty Concepts portfolio and is accountable for delivering sustainable growth, innovation, and exceptional guest experiences.

• Protect and strengthen the unique identity, culture, and guest experience of each concept.
• Develop and execute strategic business plans designed to drive revenue, profitability, guest engagement, and long-term growth.
• Identify opportunities for concept enhancements, innovation, and new revenue streams.
• Champion continuous improvement while balancing creativity, consistency, and operational discipline.
• Partner closely with Strategic Growth leadership:
• Menu strategy, menu engineering, product innovation, and execution standards.
• Promotions, seasonal offerings, and guest experience enhancements.

• Provide leadership and direction to General Managers and restaurant management teams to ensure exceptional operational execution.
• Establish performance expectations and operational standards across all concepts.
• Lead implementation of company initiatives while adapting execution to the needs of individual brands.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor operational metrics and develop action plans to address opportunities and challenges.
• Maintain full accountability for portfolio financial performance, including sales, profitability, labor, controllable expenses, and overall P&L results.
• Analyze financial and operating data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Partner with Finance to develop annual budgets, forecasts, and strategic financial plans.
• Lead pricing strategy and menu profitability initiatives.
• Drive sales-building efforts through collaboration with Marketing and restaurant leadership teams.
• Partner with HR to recruit, develop, coach, and retain high-performing management teams.
• Create a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and hospitality excellence.
• Conduct ongoing performance reviews and provide coaching and development opportunities.
• Build succession plans and leadership pipelines across the portfolio.
• Inspire teams to achieve exceptional business results while maintaining strong employee engagement.

• Partner with Culinary, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, and Operations leaders to align business priorities.
• Lead initiatives that require coordination across multiple departments.
• Serve as the primary operational voice for Specialty Concepts within the leadership team.
• Facilitate effective communication between restaurants and the corporate support teams.

• Minimum 10 years of progressive hospitality leadership experience with at least 5 years in a multi-unit leadership role.
• Demonstrated success leading upscale casual,…