Vice President, Strategy

Company Profile:

At 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.

VP, Strategy

The Vice President of Strategy is responsible for leading the strategic planning process, identifying and evaluating new business opportunities, and ensuring alignment between long-term objectives and day-to-day operations. This executive will work closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to drive growth, competitive advantage, and business transformation across the organization. The ideal candidate brings a blend of structured thinking, team leadership, business foresight, and the ability to inspire cross-functional alignment around shared goals.

Success at CAVA:

At CAVA, a Vice President shapes functional direction and leads major strategic decisions. We look for leaders who think big, guide transformation and cultivate high-performing, inclusive teams that drive sustained growth across the business.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the development and evolution of CAVA's enterprise strategy and strategic planning processes
• Guide the creation of key initiatives (KIs) that align with long-term goals and drive enterprise value
• Oversee a company-wide Project Management Office (PMO), ensuring initiatives are executed on time, within scope, and with measurable impact
• Translate high-level goals into clear project plans, resourcing strategies, and organizational priorities
• Ensure insights are translated into action - informing brand, product, marketing, digital, culinary, and operational strategies
• Maintain visibility into the total enterprise portfolio of KIs and provide governance that helps teams prioritize effectively and avoid fragmentation
• Monitor key macro and industry trends, turning foresight into forward-looking strategy
• Provide executive-level reporting, strategic updates, and scenario planning support for the C-Suite and Board
• Foster cross-functional collaboration across teams and ensure initiatives are connected, not siloed
• Develop and mentor a high-performing team of strategists, researchers, and project leaders

The Qualifications:

• 15+ years of experience in corporate strategy, consulting, consumer insights, or strategic operations roles
• Experience leading teams in strategy development, business planning, or transformation efforts
• Deep understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including segmentation, brand tracking, and behavioral analytics
• Proven success in building and scaling cross-functional project management frameworks
• Exceptional executive communication and presentation skills, with a track record of influencing at the highest levels
• Strong organizational leadership, with experience building and developing multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience in a growth-stage or high-change environment (foodservice, retail, hospitality, or consumer brand experience preferred)
• High proficiency in strategic frameworks, financial modeling, and enterprise reporting tools
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree in Business, Strategy, or Behavioral Sciences strongly preferred

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 manner

What 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 brand
• All 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 only

CAVA – 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.

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