Senior Vice President of Restaurant Concept Development

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary leader to assume the role of Senior Vice President of Restaurant Concept Development. This pivotal position demands a professional with a rich background in the hospitality industry, specifically within restaurant management and concept innovation. The successful candidate will be responsible for guiding the entire process of conceptualizing, designing, and implementing distinctive restaurant concepts that not only captivate but also meet the sophisticated expectations of our ownership groups and their clientele.

Responsibilities

• Creative Concepts Development: Spearhead the inception and evolution of groundbreaking restaurant concepts, ensuring they align with market trends and customer preferences. Leverage niche-specific language and insights to articulate compelling visions to current and potential owners.
• Operations Excellence: Oversee the operational strategy for new concepts, including the integration of best practices in efficiency, technology, and sustainability. Employ empirical data and testimonials to refine operations and drive excellence.
• Service Standards: Establish and elevate service standards across all new restaurant ventures. Implement training programs focused on exceptional customer service, drawing on statistics and industry benchmarks to set and achieve high-performance targets.
• Design and Conceptual Layout: Collaborate closely with architects and interior designers to bring restaurant concepts to life. Your role encompasses everything from initial sketches to final design execution, emphasizing functionality, aesthetics, and brand alignment.
• Selling to Ownership Groups: Present developed concepts to ownership groups and stakeholders, utilizing persuasive communication skills and a deep understanding of the hospitality business environment. Demonstrate the viability and potential profitability of concepts through detailed presentations and proposals.
• Leadership and Team Collaboration: Lead and inspire a diverse team of professionals ranging from chefs to designers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Share success stories and lessons learned to continually elevate the team's knowledge and performance.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10-15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a significant portion in senior management roles focusing on concept development and operations.
• A proven track record of developing successful restaurant concepts, with demonstrable outcomes in terms of customer satisfaction and financial performance.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and manage multidisciplinary teams towards achieving shared goals.
• Strong business acumen, with experience in negotiating and selling concepts to ownership groups and investors.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• A bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field. An MBA or equivalent is highly desirable.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead and shape the future of dining through innovative and captivating restaurant concepts, while reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment where creativity and strategic thinking are highly valued.
• Competitive compensation package, including bonuses, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company.
• Access to a network of industry experts, enhancing your knowledge and expanding your professional footprint in the hospitality sector.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about creating unforgettable dining experiences and have the expertise and vision to lead our restaurant concept development, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your resume, a portfolio and bio of concepts you've developed and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.

We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, innovation, and excellence and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Please send to: jay@geckohospitality.com