Director of Operations Innovation

We started Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in a yellow truck on the streets of NYC in 2008 with a mission to make good ice cream that makes you feel good. Nowadays, people can spend so much time on what’s “healthy” they don’t stop to consider what’s healthy. As far as we’re concerned, happiness is healthiness. We strive to ensure every scoop, store and employee feels and creates one community to contribute to the overall brand. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is hiring a full-time Director of Operations Innovation, based out of New York City. This is a great opportunity for a highly experienced individual to work with the greater retail operations team at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream as the company embarks on its next stage of growth. The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about operations, a strong and effective communicator, highly analytical, and can thrive in a fast-paced environment (and loves ice cream!). As an Operations Innovation Director, you are the voice and representative of our scoop shops at Headquarters and are responsible for driving flawless operations execution. You will be responsible for simplifying, streamlining, and enhancing store processes, systems, and technology, while ensuring that we continue to innovate and improve. This role will be based out of our Williamsburg, Brooklyn office and follow Van Leeuwen's Hybrid work model and be in office at least two to three days a week.  Job Responsibilities OPERATIONS INNOVATION Identify and implement innovation opportunities Build testing protocols and lead testing of new operational processes Work with Learning + Development Team to implement output of innovation work into stores FOUNDATIONAL OPERATIONS Create and maintain all store processes, systems, and standards Build tools to support store execution Oversee all store technology Conduct operational analysis to optimize store operations Develop and maintain all store communication channels CHANGE MANAGEMENT Define field priorities and lead organization through thoughtful and streamlined roll-out processes that deliver simple, prescriptive content to the field Drive field prioritization based on partnership with our field leadership Lead efforts to roll-out new products, systems, and processes across our storew NEW STORE OPENINGS Support new scoop shop openings from inception to completion Build and drive the new store opening launch calendar Coordinate efforts both internally and externally to ensure smooth store openings Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the new store opening processes, evaluating the successes and opportunities of each project Job Requirements 6+ years professional experience in an operations, strategy, or consulting role (preferably in the food/retail space, but not required) You are an enthusiastic problem solver, who enjoys diving into operational complexities to evaluate business needs and test potential solutions You have a strong instinct and passion for operations and people You have an enthusiasm for thinking differently, tackling complex problems, and identifying new ways of doing things Strong ability to make a business case and influence decision making, leveraging data, analytics, presentations, etc. Experience leveraging systems and data to drive business needs Ability to work evenings and weekends as required Ability to travel as required (up to 50% of time, depending on season) Ability to work in the field as required Proficiency in MS Office and Google-suite tools Excellent communication and problem-solving skills Excellent organizational skills Ability to multitask Strong attention to detail Must be comfortable working in-store scoop shifts as needed, while adhering to DOH guidelines Compensation + Benefits $130,000 - $180,000 annual compensation depending on experience, paid weekly  Eligible for annual 20% bonus Employee Scoop Card (Enjoy Ice Cream from any of our scoop shops nationwide) Medical, Dental + Vision Insurance with 70% Employer Contribution 401k with up to 4% Employer Match Cell Phone Reimbursement Plan Wellness Reimbursement Plan  Flexible Time Off - No accrual required Paid Sick Time Paid one month sabbatical (eligible after 4 years of continued employment) Yearly Performance Reviews Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is committed to pay transparency and equity among all employees and provides employees an environment where pay transparency and dialogue on compensation are allowed. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream complies with Equal Employment Opportunity laws as well as federal, state, and local laws on compensation, pay transparency, and pay equity.  The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held. Salary Range$130,000—$180,000 USDHere at Van Leeuwen, Good Ice Cream Is For Everyone! As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to foster a welcoming, diverse  environment for every employee and customer. We pride ourselves on the creativity that goes into our ice cream and is built in our stores (by YOU) that help us meet our missions and values. Offices: Brooklyn, New York, United States (Brooklyn);