Director of Operations

Flames & Salt is seeking an exceptional Director of Operations to join our founding leadership team. Opening Summer 2025 in Houston's vibrant Montrose neighborhood, Flames & Salt represents a bold new vision in dining—where James Beard-caliber cuisine meets genuine Texas hospitality in a stunning multi-concept space designed by award-winning architects.

This flagship location features a 300-seat main restaurant, craft cocktail bar, gourmet café with takeout service, and premier banquet facilities for private events. The property will serve as the foundation for a new restaurant group with plans for expansion across Texas and beyond.

Backed by significant investment and projected to generate $20M in annual revenue, this is a rare opportunity to shape a landmark establishment from the ground up and play a key role in building an exciting new hospitality brand.

WHO WE ARE:

Flames & Salt celebrates the bounty of the Gulf Coast through the primal medium of fire and the refining power of salt. Our menu balances sophisticated technique with playful presentation, featuring salt-crusted seafood, open-flame cooking, and locally-sourced ingredients that create an experience that's refined yet refreshingly unpretentious.

Our 12,000 sq ft space features multiple dining environments, including a chef's counter overlooking our custom hearth, a dramatic main dining room, three private dining spaces, and Houston's most ambitious bar program.

THE ROLE:

As Director of Operations, you will be the operational backbone of our organization, working directly with ownership and our Executive Chef to transform our ambitious vision into daily excellence. You will build and lead a team of 80-100 staff members across all departments, creating systems that deliver both remarkable guest experiences and business profitability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with ownership and culinary leadership to translate concept into operational reality
• Recruit, train, and develop a world-class hospitality team
• Design and implement comprehensive operating systems, policies, and procedures
• Oversee all hiring, onboarding, and ongoing professional development
• Drive profitable revenue growth while maintaining uncompromising quality standards
• Manage financial performance including P&L, labor costs, and inventory controls
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture built on mentorship and professional growth
• Ensure seamless coordination between front and back of house
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors, partners, and the community

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years management experience in high-volume, high-standard restaurants
• Proven track record opening and scaling successful restaurant concepts
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-million dollar operations
• Exceptional leadership abilities with a talent for team development
• Fluency in modern restaurant technology and systems
• Passion for hospitality excellence and genuine guest connection
• Thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or equivalent experience

COMPENSATION:

• Base salary: $150,000-$180,000 DOE
• Annual performance bonus of 15-25% based on revenue targets and EBITDA
• Equity participation in parent restaurant group (up to 3%)
• Comprehensive premium health, dental and vision coverage
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• 4 weeks paid vacation plus holidays
• $10,000 annual continuing education and professional development allowance
• Relocation assistance if needed
• Cell phone and auto allowance
• Family meal and dining credit program

Flames & Salt is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity in all forms. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.