Vice President of Operations

Chartwells - Houston, TX

Part-time,Full-time - Senior

Houston, TX

1,001-5,000 employees

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

Chartwells Higher Education is seeking a dynamic and seasoned food service leader for the position of Vice President of Operations at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that all assigned business operations are efficient and effective. This includes the proper management of resources, distribution of services to customers, and conducting thorough analyses of systems. As one of Compass Group's most prestigious accounts, this position requires a leader who can meet commitments to results across various responsibilities, including client retention and satisfaction, financial performance, regulatory compliance, purchasing requirements, culinary programs and standards, human resources management, and retail and marketing programs. You will direct business operations to achieve high performance as measured by the company scorecard. Building strong relationships at all levels of the organization is crucial, as is the ability to identify client needs and communicate account progress and new company programs effectively. Regular visits to clients and facilities will be necessary to monitor satisfaction surveys and ensure that all direct reports take specific actions to correct any issues at client units that do not meet corporate satisfaction levels. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing and monitoring realistic and accurate budgets and forecasts, ensuring that the region meets financial performance and client forecasts. Participation in the sales process is also a key aspect of this role, which includes working with the pre-proposal site survey team, aiding in presentations, negotiating, and approving final contracts. You will ensure that operations team members are performing their responsibilities effectively and that audits are conducted at all facilities, covering financial and contractual aspects, sanitation and food safety, and human resources. This position is ideal for a leader with extensive experience in upscale food service and a proven track record in multi-unit management.

Responsibilities

• Ensure efficient and effective business operations for assigned areas.
• Meet commitments to results including client retention and satisfaction, financial performance, and regulatory compliance.
• Direct business operations to achieve high performance as measured by the company scorecard.
• Build relationships at all levels of the organization and identify client needs.
• Communicate account progress and new company programs to clients.
• Conduct and monitor customer, client, and associate satisfaction surveys.
• Visit clients and facilities regularly to ensure satisfaction.
• Deliver corporate communications and priorities to region team members and clients.
• Build an effective and results-oriented team within the region.
• Ensure direct reports take action to correct issues at client units that do not meet corporate satisfaction levels.
• Develop and monitor realistic and accurate budgets and forecasts.
• Participate in the sales process, including site surveys, presentations, negotiations, and contract approvals.
• Ensure operations team members perform their responsibilities effectively.
• Conduct audits at all facilities, including financial, contractual, sanitation, and food safety audits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• 12-15 years of upscale food service experience, including 10 years at the management level.
• 5-7 years of experience in multi-unit management.
• Experience in personnel management including hiring, supervision, evaluation, and succession planning.
• Ability to multi-task and concentrate despite constant interruptions.
• Ability to make business decisions based on financial reports and similar facts.
• Knowledge of HACCP controls and proper food storage and use.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• ServSafe or Department of Health certification is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret business records and statistical reports.
• Ability to analyze and interpret policies established by administrators.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in upscale food service management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams effectively.

Benefits

• Commuter assistance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Opportunities for training and development
• Retirement plan
• Associate shopping program
• Health and wellness programs
• Discount marketplace
• Identity theft protection
• Pet insurance
• Voluntary benefits including critical illness insurance, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, legal services, and choice auto and home program
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance/AD
• Disability insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)