Director, Culinary Innovation (Ops Services)

Director Of Culinary InnovationAt 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.The RoleThe Director of Culinary Innovation sits within Ops Services and is responsible for translating culinary vision into scalable restaurant execution. Partnering closely with the Culinary team (who owns ideation), this role ensures new menu items are operationally sound, executable at volume, and ready for system-wide rollout. You will lead the testing and validation processproving concepts in real restaurant environments before they scale across the system. This role is accountable for ensuring innovation works on the line, during peak, with real teamsbalancing guest experience, throughput, labor, and food quality.What You'll DoLead Operational Testing & ValidationDesign and execute ops tests (68 restaurants) to validate in-store executionScale successful items into market tests (2040 restaurants) to assess performance at volumeDefine clear success metrics across incidence, labor, food cost, and guest experienceTranslate Culinary Vision into ExecutionPartner with Culinary to convert concepts into simple, repeatable builds and prep systemsPressure-test ideas against real kitchen constraints: station flow, equipment, staffing, and peak volumeEnsure execution consistency across varying restaurant volumes and team capabilitiesProtect Throughput & Labor EfficiencyEvaluate and optimize impact on speed of service, ticket times, and line complexityIdentify and eliminate friction points before broader rolloutMake clear tradeoffs to maintain operational simplicity at scaleDrive Data-Informed DecisionsPartner with Analytics to assess PMIX, labor impact, food cost, and guest feedbackDeliver clear go / iterate / stop recommendations based on performanceEnable Field ExecutionPartner with Training to develop clear, operator-friendly SOPs and rollout materialsEnsure test restaurants and field teams are set up for clean execution and feedback loopsIncorporate field insights into iteration and final recommendationsCross-Functional AlignmentPartner with Supply Chain to validate ingredient readiness and operational feasibilityAlign across Culinary, Ops, and Marketing from concept through rolloutAct as the bridge between test kitchen and restaurant realityWho You AreOperator-first mindset with deep understanding of restaurant workflowsExperience in high-volume environments and scaling executionPractical, decisive, and able to simplify complexity quicklyCredible with field teams and grounded in real restaurant conditionsComfortable making tradeoffs to protect throughput and performanceWhat We're Looking For Minimum Qualifications58+ years of experience in restaurant operations, culinary operations, or menu innovationExperience testing and rolling out initiatives across multi-unit restaurant systemsStrong understanding of throughput, labor models, and station designProven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives from concept through executionPreferred QualificationsExperience in fast-casual or QSR environments at scaleExposure to menu testing, pilots, or test-and-learn environmentsStrong understanding of menu economics (PMIX, COGS, labor impact)Experience working closely with field operations teamsOperator AccountabilityThis role is based out of our Washington DC Collaboration Center and accountable for ensuring new menu items are proven to work in real restaurant conditionsduring peakbefore national rollout.Physical Requirements: Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details For certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe mannerWhat we offer: Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives* Early Wage Access! Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more! 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions* Free CAVA food Casual work environment The 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.We run background checks on all new hires in this position.