Director, Ops Innovation

At CAVA we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day. We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that’s been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards something big, together.We foster a culture built on five core values:Generosity First, Always: We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service of others.Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious.Act with Agility: We welcome change; it’s the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt.Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility.Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose.This role is located in the Washington, D.C. area and is not remoteThe Director of Operations Innovation is a strategic leadership role responsible for transforming our operational capabilities through innovative solutions, technology integration, equipment optimization, and menu innovation. This leader will drive enterprise-wide initiatives that revolutionize the guest and team member experience while delivering measurable business results across our restaurant portfolio.Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations Services, this is a player/coach role that oversees dual functions encompassing Operations Technology & Equipment and Menu Innovation, managing a team of 4-6 professionals across both pillars while partnering with department heads and cross-functional teams to execute our strategic vision.This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.What You’ll DoStrategic Leadership & VisionDevelop and execute a comprehensive 3-5 year operations innovation roadmap aligned with company growth objectivesLead cross-functional innovation steering committees to prioritize and resource strategic initiativesPresent innovation strategies and ROI outcomes to executive leadership team and board of directorsEstablish innovation metrics and KPIs that directly impact company-wide P&L performanceBuild and lead high-performing teams of 4-6 professionals across two key pillars:Operations Technology & Equipment: Process engineering, mechanical engineering, operations technology testing and implementationMenu Innovation: Pipeline innovation, ingredient validation, prep process optimization, and culinary operations integrationServe as player/coach, providing hands-on leadership while executing strategic initiativesMentor and develop direct reports including managers and specialists in both technology/equipment and menu innovation domainsFoster cross-functional collaboration with Culinary, FSQA, Learning & Development, Supply Chain, and Field Operations teamsPartner with HR to attract talent and establish career development pathways across technical and culinary disciplinesOperations TransformationSpearhead enterprise-wide process reengineering initiatives to streamline operations and reduce complexityLead comprehensive testing strategies including ops testing, market testing, and national rollout validationOversee design and deployment of next-generation restaurant technologies, equipment, and food innovation programsEstablish rigorous testing protocols with measurable KPIs in partnership with FP&A and Insights teamsDrive culinary validation processes for prep procedures and ingredient optimizationCoordinate restaurant selection for testing, ingredient procurement, and cross-functional project executionCreate feedback loops between operations, culinary teams, and field leadership to ensure successful implementationsBalance operational efficiency needs with marketing objectives and culinary innovation requirementsDrive initiatives that generate annual cost savings or revenue enhancementManage innovation investment portfolio with accountability for ROI and payback periodsDevelop business cases for major capital investments and operational changesMonitor and optimize labor efficiency, food costs, and operational margins through innovationExternal Partnerships & Industry LeadershipCultivate strategic partnerships with technology vendors, equipment manufacturers, and industry consultantsRepresent the company at industry conferences and innovation forumsConduct competitive intelligence and market research to identify emerging trends and opportunitiesLead pilot programs with external partners and startup companiesThe QualificationsExperience & Background6+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, innovation, or transformation roles—preferably in the restaurant, hospitality, or consumer-facing industriesProven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives with measurable business impact across operational, culinary, or product domainsExperience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders such as Culinary, FSQA, Supply Chain, and Field Operations (or equivalent functions in other industries)History of building and developing high-performance teams in fast-paced, dynamic environmentsExperience with testing, piloting, and scaling new processes, technologies, or offerings across multiple locations or marketsPlayer/coach mentality with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and team developmentExperience in restaurant operations, engineering, or related field is most importantBachelor's degree preferred but not required with relevant hands-on experienceIndustry certifications in operations, project management, or innovation methodology a plusContinuous learning mindset with commitment to staying current on industry trendsTechnical & Strategic SkillsDeep understanding of operational systems and workflows—ideally including kitchen design, service flow, or analogous process optimization in other industriesFamiliarity with validation processes, product or ingredient optimization, and procedural developmentStrong analytical skills with experience using data and KPIs to inform decision-making and measure outcomesBackground in mechanical, process, or systems engineering as applied to operations or product developmentProficiency in project management methodologies (Agile, Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)Awareness of emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, robotics, and mobile platforms, and their application to operational innovationExperience collaborating with Learning & Development or Training teams to support change adoptionLeadership CapabilitiesExceptional communication and presentation skills with ability to influence audiences from C-level executives to restaurant team membersProven ability to drive change management across complex, multi-location organizationsStrategic thinking with tactical execution capabilities across both technology and food innovation domainsExperience working with franchisees, vendors, culinary teams, and external stakeholdersStrong project management skills with ability to work on multiple initiatives with quick turnaround timesProfessional presence in corporate environment with passion for food innovation and operational excellencePhysical RequirementsAbility to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipmentMust be able to identify, analyze and assess detailsFor certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 poundsAbility to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectivelyConstantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicableAbility to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe mannerWhat we offerCompetitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*Early Wage Access!Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community401k enrollment with CAVA contributionCompany-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*Free CAVA foodCasual work environmentThe opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brandAll exempt and non exempt employees are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of service and you have until the day before the effective date to enroll. A new hire can enroll in our benefit program by selecting a link that is emailed directly to the new hire at their personal email address once hired.Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.The posting range is an all cash range.*Indicates qualifying eligible positions onlyCAVA – Joining “A culture, not a concept”As an equal opportunity employer, CAVA considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law.California applicants: Please visit our Notice at Collection and Privacy Policy to learn about our information practices in the job application and employment context. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-06