Regional Vice President, Operations

The Role at a glance:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President of Operations to join our Elior School Dining team. In this senior leadership role, you will provide direction and oversight for an assigned brand, driving operational excellence, client satisfaction, financial performance, and team development. The Vice President of Operations will serve as a proactive leader who builds high-performing teams, strengthens client partnerships, and delivers results that support organizational growth and retention objectives. 

What you'll be doing:

• Plan and execute account development and operational strategies focused on client retention, business expansion, and overall client satisfaction throughout the assigned region.
• Lead regional operations to ensure alignment with organizational goals, company strategy, and performance expectations.
• Communicate company vision, priorities, and initiatives effectively to all regional team members.
• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and development to regional management teams to build organizational capability and succession strength.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Achieve budgeted client retention goals and ensure the Miller Heiman Process is consistently utilized across all accounts.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to key stakeholders.
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction through proactive engagement, operational execution, and issue resolution.
• Drive financial performance through strong budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and resource allocation practices.
• Monitor regional financial results and implement strategies to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including foodservice and child nutrition program requirements.
• Support business growth initiatives, including new account openings, contract management, and operational transitions.
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What we're looking for:

Must-Haves

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of foodservice operations experience with comprehensive knowledge of foodservice regulations and industry best practices.
• Deep understanding of NSLP (National School Lunch Program), NSBP (National School Breakfast Program), and CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) regulations and operations.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Proven success in team building, employee engagement, and developing high-performing leadership teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and profit-and-loss management.
• Results-oriented mindset with a demonstrated ability to achieve operational, financial, and client retention goals.
• Exceptional client relationship-building skills with a focus on partnership development and customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated accountability and ownership for business outcomes and operational performance.
• Experience mentoring and developing leaders to achieve organizational objectives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed throughout the assigned region.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with contract management.
• Multi-unit operational leadership experience.
• Experience opening and transitioning new accounts.
• Experience leading large, geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated success managing complex client portfolios and large-scale operational initiatives.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Team Building & Talent Development
• Financial Acumen & Budget Management
• Client Relationship Management
• Results Orientation
• Accountability
• Mentoring & Coaching
• Operational Excellence
• Change Management
• Communication & Influence
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Business Growth & Retention Strategy

Our Benefits:

• Medical (FT Employees)
• Dental
• Vision
• Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
• Discount Program
• Commuter Benefits (Parking and Transit) 
• EAP
• 401k
• Sick Time
• Holiday Pay (9 paid holidays)
• Tuition Reimbursement (FT Employees)
• Paid Time Off