Director, Operations

Sodexo is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Regional Operations Director to oversee food service operations across Latin America. This position is located in Austin, Texas

Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is required

This role will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring consistency in service quality, and fostering innovation across multiple sites in the region. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in large-scale corporate food service operations, financial acumen, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences with a focus on user experience, efficiency, and sustainability.

This role will be responsible for:

Operational Excellence & Strategy

Financial & Commercial Management

Client & Stakeholder Management

People Leadership & Development

Sustainability & Innovation

• Lead and oversee food service operations across multiple LATAM sites, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with client expectations.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance user experience, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Ensure consistency in food offerings, service standards, and compliance with Sodexo and client policies.
• Leverage technology and data analytics to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Own the P&L for the LATAM food services operations, ensuring financial targets are met.
• Develop budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation to maximize profitability.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising service quality.
• Monitor financial performance and provide regular reports to the VP of Operations.
• Build strong relationships with key client stakeholders to ensure alignment on expectations, service delivery, and innovation.
• Act as the key point of contact for client food service teams in LATAM, addressing concerns and ensuring high client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with Sodexo’s global and regional leadership to implement best practices and strategic initiatives.

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

• 10+ years of experience in multi-site food service operations, preferably within corporate dining or hospitality.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgets, and cost control.
• Demonstrated success in leading regional teams and delivering operational excellence.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment with a high level of autonomy.
• Experience in client relationship management at a senior level.
• Passion for sustainability, innovation, efficiency, and enhancing the customer experience.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is required; English proficiency is a must.
• Willingness to travel extensively across LATAM.

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Minimum Education Requirement:  Bachelor’s degree
Minimum Management Experience: 7 years
Minimum Functional Experience:  7 years