Director of Operations

Ci Siamo is a restaurant from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group and James Beard semifinalist Chef Hillary Sterling. This New York Times Top 100 restaurant celebrates the beauty of simplicity centering around live-fire cooking. The Italian-inflected menu takes inspiration from Chef Sterling’s extensive travels and is rooted in the understated excellence of seasonal ingredients and purposeful preparations. Ci Siamo, which loosely translates to “we’ve made it” or “we’ve arrived,” bridges the traditional with the contemporary to introduce a new space that is at once transportive yet warmly familiar.

Ci Siamo’s upcoming Boston location, opening later this year, will embody the same dynamic energy and commitment to culinary excellence as its New York original. Located at Commonwealth Pier, an exciting new waterfront project within the Seaport neighborhood, Ci Siamo Boston looks forward to assembling a talented opening team in our new home.

Who you are:

The Director of Operations is responsible for driving operational excellence and ensuring the overall performance of Ci Siamo Boston. In partnership with the General Manager and Executive Chef who will both report to this person, this leader sets, meets, and exceeds business goals while aligning with the mission, values, and vision of Union Square Hospitality Group.

This role requires a dynamic leader with strong operational expertise, a passion for hospitality, and the ability to build and inspire high-performing teams. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a friendly yet competitive spirit, dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality to guests, employees, and stakeholders.

The Director of Operations must reside in the Boston area. This role also includes opportunities to visit New York for onboarding, training, and professional development.

What you'll do: 

• Cultivate a culture of Enlightened Hospitality for all stakeholders that supports our business objectives and growth.
• Lead the leadership team and entire staff in delivering consistent, memorable moments of hospitality while championing a culture of Enlightened Hospitality.
• Drive the financial success of the business across all areas, reinforcing the virtuous cycle of Enlightened Hospitality for all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the management team to actively monitor guest feedback across all channels, identifying opportunities to enhance guest experience and cultivate a devoted base of regulars.
• Provide consistent, constructive feedback to foster a high-performing team dedicated to hospitality, operational excellence, and business success.
• Maintain a strong partnership with the Executive Chef and kitchen management team to ensure alignment on business goals, initiatives, and overall execution.
• Mentor and coach senior leaders, creating clear pathways for professional growth and development.
• Proactively seek internal and external opportunities to grow the team while prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Balance daily operational and administrative responsibilities with sound judgment, making decisions that support both the short-term and long-term success of the business.
• Establish a strong operational infrastructure by defining clear roles, goals, and resources, ensuring efficient and accessible systems and processes.
• Serve as a key partner to Home Office departments, leveraging subject matter expertise to support the rollout, training, and communication of company-wide initiatives.
• Build trusting relationships with USHG leaders to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and well-informed decision-making.
• Act as a strategic partner to Home Office departments, ensuring smooth execution of company-wide initiatives, training, and operational rollouts.
• Build trusted relationships with other USHG leaders to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the adoption of best practices.

What we need from you:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in restaurant and hospitality management, including General Manager or equivalent roles.
• Proven expertise in restaurant operations, including financial management, team leadership, and guest experience excellence.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to analyze performance metrics and drive strategic growth.
• Proficiency in restaurant management systems and operational processes, ensuring efficiency and consistency across all areas.
• New opening or start up experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required, with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and leadership capabilities.

What you’ll get from us:

• Base salary of $140,000 - $155,000 with bonus potential up to $35,000*
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off to support you with an active life outside of work
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Options (health care, dependent care, transit & parking)
• Employee Assistance Program to support overall mental wellbeing
• Exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other healthcare services
• Annual dining credit and 51% dining discount throughout the USHG family of restaurants
• Matched 401(k) to help you invest in your future
• Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund

*The above represents the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.

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Salary : $140,000 - $155,000