DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL OPERATIONS

The Opportunity

Our client, The Canadian Brewhouse (CBH), a leader in the hospitality industry, seeks an energetic and results-driven Director of Central Operations to oversee a portfolio of locations. Based in Toronto, this role requires a proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in the dynamic world of hospitality.

As the Director of Central Operations, you will spearhead multi-unit management, foster team development, and champion CBH’s dedication to exceptional guest experiences. This role demands flexibility to adapt to the fast-paced nature of the industry, including late-night and weekend availability for operational oversight.

If you are passionate about building and scaling teams, excel in creating systems from the ground up, and share CBH’s core values of teamwork, innovation, and excellence, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

This position offers the chance to lead growth and innovation in a thriving company while collaborating with professionals equally committed to success.

Responsibilities

• Hands-On Leadership: Lead by example with a visible, hands-on approach, being present at locations as needed, including late nights and weekends, to support teams and ensure operational excellence. Dive into daily operations to identify challenges, implement solutions, and reinforce company standards.
• Onsite Presence & Regional Oversight:  Conduct frequent onsite visits to each location, engaging with staff to gain firsthand insights into operational strengths and areas for improvement. Ensure visibility and accessibility to teams during critical operating hours, adapting to the dynamic needs of each site, including late-night shifts.
• Architect of Growth: Act as the architect of regional success, building and implementing systems, processes, and teams from the ground up to drive sustained growth and operational efficiency. Establish scalable frameworks that empower managers to replicate success across multiple locations, fostering innovation and consistency.
• Operational Adaptability: Embrace the unique demands of the hospitality industry by remaining flexible, and available, to the operational hours and challenges of each location. Quickly adapt strategies to align with the distinct needs of various sites, ensuring both consistency and tailored support.
• Building a Culture of Excellence: Develop and nurture a high-performing, service-oriented culture across locations, inspiring teams to exceed guest expectations and achieve excellence. Leverage onsite interactions to strengthen team morale, resolve challenges, and celebrate successes in real-time.
• On-the-Ground Problem Solving: Address issues directly and decisively during onsite visits, collaborating with teams to implement practical, effective solutions that align with company values.
• Financial Oversight: Regularly review and analyze critical financial metrics, including payroll, budgets, profit margins, and cost control measures, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with the company’s strategic goals. Collaborate with managers to identify and address areas of financial improvement while driving initiatives to optimize profitability.
• Sales Planning & Forecasting: Partner with store managers to develop detailed sales forecasts based on market trends, seasonal demands, and historical performance. Implement innovative strategies to achieve and surpass revenue goals while ensuring realistic and actionable targets are set for each location.
• Audits & Reporting: Conduct comprehensive operational audits to assess compliance, service standards, and financial health at each location. Prepare in-depth reports with actionable insights and oversee the execution of plans to address any gaps or challenges identified.
• Managerial Development: Mentor and coach managers to take ownership of their locations, instilling a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset to drive performance and growth.
• Guest Experience Leadership: Be actively involved in enhancing the guest experience, stepping in where necessary to address immediate concerns and ensure a “wow” factor at every location.
• Communication Facilitation: Foster open and effective communication between regional locations and the head office, acting as a conduit to relay feedback, concerns, and successes.
• Staffing & Development: Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and development strategies to ensure each location is staffed with skilled and motivated individuals. Drive professional growth initiatives, offering mentorship, training, and succession planning to build strong, dynamic teams.
• Compliance & Waste Reduction: Ensure adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and best practices across all operational areas. Champion initiatives aimed at reducing waste, improving resource allocation, and enhancing operational efficiency to promote sustainable growth.
• Core Values Champion: Serve as an unwavering advocate for the company’s core values, demonstrating them through leadership, decision-making, and daily interactions. Inspire teams to integrate these principles into their operations, fostering a consistent and values-driven culture throughout the region

Key Competencies

Leadership Experience

• A proven track record of at least 2 years managing multi-unit operations in the hospitality industry and over 5 years in senior leadership.

Operational Excellence

• Deep understanding of hospitality operations, including food and beverage service, safety protocols, inventory control, and guest experience optimization.
• Experience in conducting operational audits, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing improvements to meet or exceed company standards.

Financial Acumen

• Strong knowledge of profit and loss management, including the ability to analyze budgets, interpret financial reports, and optimize resources.
• Proficiency in general ledger management and strategies to minimize costs, improve margins, and drive revenue growth.

Problem Solving & Adaptability

• Demonstrated ability to approach challenges with creativity and resourcefulness, ensuring swift and effective resolutions.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, including late or non-standard hours typical of the hospitality industry.

Strategic Thinking

• Ability to align regional operations with the company’s long-term goals, ensuring that short-term decisions support larger objectives.
• Experience in setting and achieving realistic sales forecasts, while identifying growth opportunities and mitigating risks.

  Team Building & Development

• Expertise in fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and growth by identifying and nurturing leadership potential within teams.
• Skilled in creating and executing staffing and succession plans, as well as providing training and development opportunities to promote career advancement.

Hands-On Leadership

• Leads by example, regularly engaging with teams on the ground to understand their challenges, provide direct support, and build trust.
• Willingness to step into frontline roles when needed, ensuring smooth operations and setting a standard of excellence.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, and stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate difficult conversations, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

Organizational Skills

• Experience in implementing systems and processes to improve operational efficiency and streamline communication.

Results-Oriented Mindset

• A relentless focus on achieving measurable results, including guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
• Comfortable setting ambitious goals and employing data-driven strategies to meet or exceed them.

The targeted salary range for this position is $120,000 to $130,000 annually, supplemented by an annual bonus.

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