Senior Culinary Operations Manager

FIND YOUR FIRE!

At Sally's Apizza we have been creating New Haven Style Apizza since 1938 and are now expanding to locations across the United States. Famous for our distinctive tomato sauce and chewy, crispy crust with an iconic oven-kissed char, Sally’s draws pizza fans from around the world. We hand-craft authentic pizza in custom-designed ovens, using the original recipes. Sally’s mission is to make great pizza available to everyone.

As a key management team member, the Sr. Culinary Operations Manager collaborates with  Leadership, Management, and Store-Level Employees to ensure culinary excellence and operational consistency. This role oversees all aspects of culinary operations, including menu development, recipe execution, cost management, quality control, and staff training. Additionally, this position plays a critical role in new restaurant openings.  

As Senior Culinary Operations Manager, You Will... 

• Fully understand and embody the Sally’s Apizza culture and the historical evolution of the brand.  
• Participate in culinary management hiring as a member of the hiring team. 
• Assist in restaurant openings. 
• Serve as the primary liaison for culinary operations within the organization, by acting as the voice of Culinary Operations.  
• Perform biweekly one-on-ones with each member of the culinary management team as well as lead group Culinary Connect sessions 
• Contribute to internal leadership summits for CDC/KM/GM 
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu updates, including developing signature dishes and improvements to underperforming items when requested.   
• Oversee culinary operations as the company expands, focusing on non-pizza menu items. 
• Identify and resolve operational inconsistencies in real-time.  
• Communicate operational updates with the Regional Operations and Training Managers in a timely manner.  
• Partner with General Managers to optimize store-level culinary operations, enhance profitability and reduce waste.  
• Align recipe cost with company financial goals and optimize procurement strategies.  
• Actively seeking opportunities to optimize financial costs and investments when making decisions that have a financial implication.  
• Implement and maintain standard operation procedures for prep, production, cleaning, and workflow.  
• Perform store-level “spot checks” to ensure adherence to quality, food safety, and operational standards.  
• Mentor and train Kitchen Managers and line staff to foster a high-performing team culture.   
• Actively participate in staff performance reviews.  
• Maintain flexibility to work at any location within the region as needed.   
• Oversee kitchen resources, equipment, and supplies at all locations. 

Additional Requirements: 

• Taking responsibility for a thorough and detailed method of working  
• Acquiring and applying functional knowledge in an area of specialty that is not technical 
• For example, Operations, Finance, and Human Resources management  
• Having and using knowledge of systems, situations, procedures, and culture inside the organization to identify potential problems and opportunities, perceiving the impact and the implications of decisions on other components of the organization.  
• Shaping and effectively expressing ideas and information.  
• Upholding accepted social and ethical standards in job-related activities and behaviors.  
• Overcomes obstacles and adversity to bring work to completion. Continuously strives to improve performance.  
• Makes and fulfills commitments regarding deadlines and outcomes.  
• Rely on and support the larger team to achieve improved excellence.  
• Recognizes and utilizes others’ complementary skills and strengths.  
• Acts to support the greatest good of the team, company, and community.  
• Creates a positive and energizing atmosphere through his/her words and actions.  
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with the overall business goals and objectives of the Company.  
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement  
• Enriches each interaction by understanding, empathizing with, and responding appropriately to other’s needs and wants.  

Required Qualifications & Prior Experience: 

• Strong Computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Toast POS preferred)  
• Capable of performing theoretical cost analysis related to food, purchasing, and labor. 
• English & Basic Spanish (preferred but not required)  
• A minimum of 5 years of proven success as a leader in a kitchen setting  
• Culinary degree (preferred but not required)  
• A background including best-in-class restaurant experience along with a constant desire to stay on top of current food trends and deliver impeccable hospitality.  
• Comprehensive understanding of properly writing recipes  
• Demonstrate strong financial acumen, a thorough understanding of P&L statements, and the ability to analyze and interpret financial reports effectively. 
• ServSafe Certified  
• This is a hands-on position that requires 80% of the work week to be spent actively engaged in culinary operations.  
• Able to work on your feet for up to 10 hours at a time and have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.  
• Able to travel within your region.  
• Able to travel outside your region up to 50% of the time.  

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SALLY’S CORE VALUES

Obsession for Apizza: True passion for the uncompromised quality and tradition of New Haven Apizza. Strive for excellence and bring your personal best to work every day.

Commitment To Our Guests: Demonstrate warmth and care while creating memorable moments of hospitality for all guests.

Strength of Character: Take pride in your job and use best judgment to do what is right and fair even when no one else is looking. Actively seek to build trust with colleagues and guests.

We Are Family: We are a hard-working crew that takes care of and supports one another while courageously providing honest feedback to hold each other accountable.