Regional Vice President, Operations

We’re thrilled to announce a transformative leadership opportunity within our At School division—we’re hiring a Regional Vice President, Operations to lead with purpose and inspire performance across the Central Region.

In this high-impact role, you’ll be the catalyst for growth—mobilizing people, processes, and partnerships to deliver exceptional outcomes. You’ll lead with a growth mindset, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability. Your leadership will directly influence:

• Client retention and expansion through strategic partnerships and operational excellence.
• Team development by investing in talent, mentoring future leaders, and cultivating a high-performance culture.
• Student satisfaction and meal participation by aligning operations with community needs and client expectations.

You’ll lead by inspiring action – empowering your teams to take ownership, innovate boldly, and deliver results that matter.  You’ll drive accountability by setting clear expectations, celebrating wins, and coaching through challenges to build resilient, engaged teams.  You’ll leverage cross-functional support to mobilize resources using data insights and strategic tools to enhance regional effectiveness and client impact.

Your Strategic Impact will be as a trusted advisor to clients, ensuring compliance with all government, district, and local regulations while advancing Sodexo’s mission. At the organizational level, your leadership will reduce facility costs and improve productivity, generate new revenue capacity, and enhance the brand image and operational agility of the region.

• Develops and executes strategic plan by implementing short and long-term goals that align with the agreed scope of service, mission, and values in alignment with the schools segment & USDA guidelines.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.
• Reviews and analyzes financial statements and data, operating reports, budget variance reports, and other appropriate financial information to monitor attainment of financial goals; provides monthly and quarterly updates to the client and Sodexo senior management
• Assesses financial risk and opportunities of the account and communicates results to the client and Sodexo senior management; initiates action plans as necessary
• Maintains a professional business relationship with the client by negotiating contracts and matters pertaining to account operations
• Ensures implementation of the business plan for the client that establishes a rapport, promotes partnership, and fulfills the clients’ needs and expectations
• Works closely with Sodexo’s Sales Team to develop new opportunities for expansion of services and business growth
• Build, develop, and lead high-performing teams. Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment that empowers team members to excel.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to team members to enhance their skills and capabilities

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in business/management or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategic operations, client solutions, and support services management, preferably in K-12 school districts.
• Strong experience in building and maintaining C-suite client relationships, with a focus on solution-driven outcomes and business growth.
• Demonstrated success in driving change management initiatives and cultivating a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, optimizing resources, and ensuring financial sustainability in support service operations.
• Expertise in data analysis, leveraging detailed data to inform decision-making and operational improvements.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate and influence at all levels of the organization.

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 or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 10 years 
Minimum Functional Experience - 10 years related functional experience