Vice President of Food and Beverage

About Us

We are a dedicated restaurant group focused on delivering genuine and inspiring experiences for the communities we serve. United by shared values, our mission is straightforward: to make people feel good. Our team is diverse, yet linked by the principles of authenticity, integrity, positive energy, collaboration, outstanding results, and exceptional hospitality.

Role Overview

The Vice President of Food & Beverage holds a pivotal strategic leadership position, tasked with fostering innovation throughout the culinary and beverage segments while streamlining supply chain operations to support growth, profitability, and superior guest experiences. This leader directs multifaceted projects introducing new menu items, beverage programs, and guest-centric innovations, ensuring quality, consistency, operational practicality, and cost efficiency across all brands within the Upward Projects portfolio. Additional responsibilities include detecting emerging trends, bolstering brand distinction, managing vital supplier partnerships, improving profit margins, and establishing scalable systems to sustain ongoing company expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Steer culinary, beverage innovation, and supply chain strategy across all brands under the company umbrella.
• Create and implement a long-term innovation roadmap that aligns with business growth targets.
• Lead the journey of menu, beverage, and product innovations from conceptualization to system-wide rollout.
• Spot and leverage new food, beverage, and hospitality trends to enhance brand uniqueness.
• Collaborate with Culinary, Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Development teams to actualize new concepts.
• Promote a culture of experimentation balancing creativity, simplicity in operations, and profitability.
• Manage full supply chain operations including sourcing, purchasing, distribution, inventory control, and supplier relationships.
• Develop scalable supply chain frameworks to enable accelerated expansion across multiple states.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to enhance quality, service levels, and financial outcomes.
• Lead projects aimed at minimizing costs while improving guest satisfaction and product standards.
• Monitor commodity markets and devise proactive sourcing and risk management plans.
• Set operational standards to ensure uniformity, scalability, and flawless execution across restaurants.
• Oversee equipment procurement, kitchen and bar layout, and production processes for new openings and remodeling projects.
• Research and apply new technologies, equipment, and processes that boost operational efficiency.
• Work closely with Operations and Facilities teams to optimize design, efficiency, staffing, and food safety.
• Build and nurture a high-performing team focused on innovation, procurement, and supply chain excellence.
• Encourage collaboration and strategic alignment across company departments.
• Track and report on the impact of innovations, supplier performance, and margin improvements.
• Support the company’s growth trajectory by creating scalable systems that consistently provide exceptional guest experiences.

Required Qualifications

• At least 10 to 12 years of progressive experience in culinary innovation, beverage innovation, product development, sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management.
• Minimum 5 years in senior leadership roles overseeing teams, budgets, and strategic projects.
• Demonstrated achievements in menu, beverage, and product innovation within multi-unit restaurants, hospitality, food service, or consumer-focused food and beverage sectors.
• Proven competence managing intricate supplier networks and distribution frameworks.
• Strong history of achieving cost savings and enhancing profit margins.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and engaging stakeholders across organizational levels.
• Thorough understanding of restaurant operations and execution.
• Track record in building and mentoring high-achieving teams.
• Experience in supporting expansion and establishing scalable operational systems is an advantage.

Employee Benefits

• Medical insurance with employer contribution
• Vision and dental coverage
• Paid time off and earned sick leave
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care accounts
• Telehealth services available to employees
• Long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment coverage
• Paid parental leave
• Meal discounts and additional perks
• Programs supporting mental wellness and life events
• Recognition and rewards on anniversaries