Director of Operations - Institutional Food Services

Director of Operations – Institutional Food Services

Location: Upper Midwest (Regional Travel Required)

Our client is a growing institutional foodservice organization currently seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead multi‑site deployments across a diverse portfolio of facilities. This high‑impact, hands‑on leadership role is responsible for launching new accounts, stabilizing operations, ensuring compliance, and developing strong onsite management teams.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in institutional or contract food-service—including corrections, higher education, healthcare, or senior living. Experience working within regulated institutional environments is strongly preferred.

Here's what you'll do:

• Lead the full lifecycle of new site openings, including sales assessment, planning, staffing support, training, launch, stabilization, and handoff.
• Serve as the operational expert for institutional foodservice systems, including menu management, production planning, inventory control, and POS platforms.
• Configure, train, and support onsite teams in operational technologies and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, food safety protocols, sanitation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Build strong working relationships with facility leadership and institutional partners.
• Monitor KPIs (labor, food cost, service quality, compliance) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Provide ongoing triage, troubleshooting, and follow‑up support during the stabilization period.
• Coach and develop onsite managers to ensure long‑term operational success.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel 60–80% across multiple states with extended onsite engagements to support new account openings and regional operations.

Here's what you'll need:

• 7 years of progressive leadership in institutional or contract foodservice (corrections, higher education, healthcare, senior living, or similar).
• Proven success in multi‑site operations, new account openings, or large‑scale operational deployments.

Here's what you'll need to be successful:

• Strong proficiency with institutional foodservice software platforms (menu management, production, inventory, POS).
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel.
• Deep understanding of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to diagnose operational and technical issues and coordinate cross‑functional solutions.
• Demonstrated leadership presence with the ability to train, influence, and motivate across diverse teams and facility environments.
• High adaptability and comfort working in fast‑moving, high‑stakes environments.
• Ability to travel extensively across multiple states.

Here's what we offer:

• Competitive wage starting at $125,000-$145,000 , depending on experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance at affordable rates.
• Holiday & Paid Time Off (PTO).
• 401(k) with company-matching.
• Voluntary supplemental insurance benefits available (Aflac).
• Professional development and advancement opportunities..
• A growing organization expanding its regional footprint and investing in scalable operational systems where operational excellence is valued and supported.

Position available until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer.