VP Operations - Midwest/West Greater Chicago, IL Area

VP OPERATIONS

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

THE BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD.

THE BEST-ISH BAGELS IN THE WORLD.

OUTTA THIS WORLD OPPORTUNITY.

DEEPER THAN BAGELS

Call Your Mother is the Jew-ish deli where Boca meets Brooklyn, grandma-level hospitality meets seriously good bagel sandwiches, and hard work meets face-melting vibes.

Husband-and-wife team Andrew and Chef Dani built Call Your Mother around a simple idea: make scrumptious, nostalgic food and unforgettable experiences without being bougie or taking ourselves too seriously. From our first little farmer’s market stand in 2018, to shops across the DMV, Colorado, Chicago, and Philadelphia in 2026, we’re spreading carb love all over the map and our ovens are just getting warmed up! We’ll take bagels to mars if the locals are hungry up there.

WE’RE HIRING A VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS, BASED IN CHICAGO

The Vice President of Operations will oversee operational excellence across all CYM shops in our Chicago and Denver markets, focusing on optimizing day-to-day shop operations, driving efficiency, and ensuring that each location reflects CYM’s vibrant culture. Beyond operational management, this role is key to creating exceptional guest and team experiences rooted in CYM's core values and will support our future growth in the midwest and mountain west markets.

As a culture champion, the VP will work closely with shop leaders, district managers and directors of operations to foster an inclusive, fun, and high-energy environment where team members feel supported and guests feel connected to the CYM community. With a focus on growth, the VP will continuously seek innovative ways to enhance systems and processes that deliver consistency and excellence, ensuring that every CYM shop delivers high-quality food and service while maintaining its unique personality.

The VP of Operations will play a critical role in driving financial performance and managing key metrics, including labor costs, food costs, operational KPI’s, and overall profitability. By aligning operational strategies with financial goals, the VP will ensure that CYM’s growth is both sustainable and profitable. As a collaborator and team leader, this role will partner with other senior leadership including Finance, People, and Culinary teams to achieve company goals. This role reports to our COO and will collaborate with SVP Operations and other Operational Leadership.

This role is vital to taking CYM to the next level, helping to guide the company through its expansion while staying true to its roots. The ideal candidate will combine expertise in multi-unit restaurant operations with strong leadership to elevate CYM’s guest experience and operational standards, driving success in a fast-paced environment.

If you’re picking up what we’re laying down, keep reading!

YOU'LL CRUSH THIS ROLE IF YOU...

Have 10 years of experience in multi-unit restaurant operations (QSR preferred), with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

Have direct oversight of a minimum of 15 locations and $30mm in revenue or indirectly for at least 2 years.

Proven experience leading and managing large teams in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Have a strong understanding of restaurant operations, including food safety, inventory management, labor optimization, and guest service.

Demonstrate the ability to drive operational improvements, increase efficiency, and achieve business goals.

Bring excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Have strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and adapt to changing priorities.

Are passionate for delivering an exceptional guest experience and upholding CYM’s commitment to quality and community.

Can travel frequently to oversee operations in multiple markets.

Are digging our BIG V.I.B.E.S. (Vibrancy, Integrity, Belonging, Energy, and Seize the Moment).

Shall we proceed? If you blurted out an audible “YES INDEED!” then please keep reading.

WHAT YOU’LL REALLY BE DOING

Lead, manage, and oversee daily operations across all CYM locations in both Chicago and Denver to ensure consistent quality and operational excellence.

Develop and implement processes to enhance efficiency, improve guest experience, and maintain consistency across all shops in your regions.

Collaborate with the ops leadership team to develop and execute operational strategies that align with company goals, ensuring long-term growth and profitability.

Manage and mentor Directors of Operations, District Managers, and shop leaders, providing guidance and support to foster a positive work environment and promote team development.

Oversee labor, inventory, and food cost management to ensure profitability, while maintaining high-quality standards and guest satisfaction.

Ensure that all locations comply with health and safety regulations, food safety standards, training and development plans, and company policies.

Implement initiatives to improve operational performance, including the evaluation of workflows, tools, and technology to streamline processes and enhance guest experience.

Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) across shops to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and ensure that all operational targets are met or exceeded.

Drive guest service excellence by implementing systems and processes that foster a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere in every CYM shop.

Work closely with the finance team to develop and manage budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources across all locations.

Serve as a key leader in company-wide initiatives, partnering with Culinary, People and Culture, Marketing, and Finance teams to drive overall business success.

AND FINALLY, IF YOU NEED MORE REASONS TO APPLY:

Competitive salary $165,000, plus annual bonus opportunity and stock options.

Health Insurance. Health, dental, and vision insurance.

Unlimited paid time off because you deserve it…duh.

100% Paid, 12 week parental leave for time with the itty, bitty baby!

401(k) with 4% company match. Plan for a bright and beautiful future!

Step your knowledge game up. Free English and Spanish classes, plus Duolingo reimbursement.

Early Wage Access. Instantly get up to 50% of your eligible earned wages before payday!

Real support when life gets complicated. Confidential therapy and professional resources for mental health, legal guidance, financial wellness, and more.

BAGELS ON THE HOUSE! Plus 50% off when you're off the clock.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands for this position include seeing, hearing, speaking, reading, and communicating effectively; standing, walking, reaching, bending, and performing repetitive physical movements; lifting up to 50 pounds; and safely operating equipment and tools using manual dexterity. This role also requires working in a fast-paced environment around hot equipment, sharp tools, and varying temperatures, and occasionally working in confined spaces. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Call Your Mother is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically celebrate the diversity of our team and believe that talent, passion, and experience are the only relevant criteria for considering new team members. We provide equal opportunities to everyone who works for us and every applicant. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

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