Be Creative... with Creative Dining Services!

In anticipation of growing our West Michigan business, Creative Dining Services is seeking candidates for an Operations Director to proactively bring forward innovative solutions and inspire teams to deliver positively memorable hospitality experiences! As the Operations Director, you are responsible for $15 to $20 million of managed volume and will lead a team of six to ten General Managers and Food Service Directors to generate innovative solutions with maximum sales and controllable profits in alignment with our corporate mission, vision, values, and quality standards in the West Michigan market. This position reports directly to the AVP of Operations and will assist in all phases of planning, budgeting, reporting, and analysis. This is not a current opening.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• See the big picture, proactively bring forward innovative solutions, effectively communicate a plan, and inspire teams to deliver.

• Demonstrate leadership with a focus on mentoring, development, and succession planning.

• Build trust and credibility virtually and effectively utilize technology to manage teams and client relationships remotely.

• Utilize proven client relationship management and superior customer relations skills.

• Be organized, detail-oriented, and a problem solver with critical thinking skills.

• Quickly adopt and regularly utilize a variety of technology platforms from people management to CRM and financial management.

The successful candidate will have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or related field

• 10 years of related experience, with 7-10 years of leadership experience

• Previous multi-unit dining services or hospitality experience. Experience with colleges and universities preferred

• Strong business and financial acumen with experience in developing and managing budgets

• Experience in formal presentations and facilitating training

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Advanced degree in Management, Hospitality, or related field

• Executive level experience in a hospitality management company

• ServSafe certification and formal allergen training

We offer:

• Competitive pay and performance incentives 

• Car allowance or a company vehicle

• Generous Paid Time Off

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Health Savings Account with a company match of up to $1500 for qualifying plans

• Freen mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program

• Company-paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability

• 401(k) with a company match

• Tuition reimbursement and discounts

Why Creative Dining Services:

“Companies always tell you a lot of things about who they are and what they are about, and most are not able to meet those expectations. My experience with Creative Dining since day one has been extremely positive and the truth in advertising is spot on. The support has been wonderful, and I am excited to learn and grow with the company.” Jamie M., Service Manager (Joined May 2021)

Creative Dining Services operates over 80 locations in 16 states, serving colleges, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers, hotels, camps, and K-12 schools to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services experience – one that’s fun, innovative, and focused on community. Why? Because that’s how it should be.

Our Core Values are:

• Integrity

• Flexibility

• Family

• Creativity

• Sensitivity

• Sustainability

• Diversity

Our team members are like family – to us and to our clients. We get to know people by name and personal preferences to provide a welcoming home away from home for our guests and for each other.

As our founding philosophy statement says, “Our clients and employees are our greatest assets, without either, we would not exist as a company. We will strive to listen, respond to their needs, and provide growth opportunities for both.

Creative Dining Services is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.