VP of Development

Din Tai Fung (DTF), a globally acclaimed culinary icon renowned for the art of Xiao Long Bao, is on a mission to create first-class dining experiences through its unwavering commitment to excellence in food, service and ambiance. Founded in 1972, the Michelin-recognized restaurant brand continues to be family-owned and passed down through generations, with more than 165 locations in 13 countries worldwide. Since its founding, Din Tai Fung has become synonymous with quality and consistency and known for its warm hospitality and delicacies with authentic flavors. Din Tai Fung has 16 U.S. locations to-date, offering an upscale yet inviting cultural dining experience for everyone, for any occasion.



DIN TAI FUNG RESTAURANTS

Job Title: VP of Development

Compensation: $230,000 - $270,000 Annual Salary

The base salary or hourly wage range for this role will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors. Range is not inclusive of potential bonus or benefits. Your recruiter can share more information about the salary range and other factors during the hiring process.

Location: Hybrid, Din Tai Fung - Corporate Office in Arcadia, California

About Us

Din Tai Fung, a globally acclaimed culinary icon renowned for the art of Xiao Long Bao, is on a mission to create first-class dining experiences through its unwavering commitment to excellence in food, service and ambiance. Originally founded as a cooking oil retail business in Taiwan in 1958 by Bing-Yi Yang and his wife, Pen-Mei Lai, Din Tai Fung was reborn into a humble dumpling and noodle shop in 1972. Today, the Michelin-recognized restaurant brand continues to be family-owned and passed down through generations, with more than 170 locations in 13 countries worldwide.

Since its founding, Din Tai Fung has become synonymous with quality and consistency and known for its warm hospitality and delicacies with authentic flavors. Entering the North America market in 2000, the restaurant brand opened its first U.S. location in Arcadia, California and has 16 locations to-date, offering an upscale yet inviting cultural dining experience. With each restaurant, each interaction, and each bite, DTF aims to bring people together to inspire appreciation of culture.

Benefits And Perks

• Competitive Pay & Benefits
• Employer Contribution for individuals and eligible dependents' medical insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Commuter Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts through BenefitHub
• Employee Meal Discounts
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) to support work-life balance
• Paid Sick Leave (PSL) to care for your health or loved ones
• Quarterly Wellness Days - extra time off to recharge every season
• Car Allowance
• Bonus Eligible
• Opportunities for growth; we love promoting within
  
  

About The Role

The VP of Development will oversee all aspects of new restaurant development, including architecture and design, construction management, and lease administration. This leader will ensure each new Din Tai Fung location reflects our brand's high standards while delivering projects on time and within budget. The ideal candidate brings a combination of strategic leadership, deep technical knowledge, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences through design and execution.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead Din Tai Fung’s North America new restaurant development strategy to support 3–5 openings per year. Measure and track asset ROI
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Real Estate, and Brand teams to align development goals with overall business objectives.
• Maintain a rolling multi-year development roadmap that supports growth and market prioritization.
• Oversee all aspects of restaurant design, ensuring brand consistency, operational efficiency, and guest experience excellence. Ensure on budget development
• Lead design reviews and manage relationships with external architects and design firms.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and execution for all new restaurant builds.
• Select, contract, and manage general contractors, construction managers, and other third-party vendors.
• Establish and enforce project controls, reporting mechanisms, and issue resolution processes.
• Collaborate closely with Real Estate and Legal to review and advise on lease terms related to development (delivery conditions, landlord work, etc.); Ensure lease compliance
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  
  

Job Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in restaurant, retail, or hospitality development, including A&D and construction oversight.
• Proven success delivering multi-unit development pipelines at scale (3–10 units per year).
• Strong experience managing external vendors (architects, GCs, engineers) and internal teams.
• Deep understanding of permitting, entitlements, construction schedules, and budgets.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Passion for detail, brand experience, and craftsmanship in physical space.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
  
  

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in restaurant, multi-unit retail, or food manufacturing
  
  

Special Requirements

• Travel is required, 25%
  
  

NOTE: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.

Din Tai Fung is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Fair Chance Initiative.

Din Tai Fung is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer – M/F/D/V. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As part of our hiring process, Din Tai Fung uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees. E-Verify is an internet-based system that allows employers to compare information from an employee's Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This verification confirms an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States. Din Tai Fung complies fully with all Equal Employment Opportunity laws, ensuring no discrimination based on national origin or citizenship status. Din Tai Fung is committed to employing only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States and who comply with applicable immigration and employment law. As a condition of employment, every individual must provide satisfactory evidence of their identity and legal authority to work in the United States. If the employee cannot verify their right to work in the United States within the time permitted by laws, the Company will be required to terminate their employment immediately. To learn more about E-Verify, please visit: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees.

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Din Tai Fung North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state/provincial, and local laws.

U.S. Employment Eligibility

In the United States, Din Tai Fung North America participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization for all new hires. To learn more, please visit: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees.