VP Operations- Milwaukee, WI

Position Summary

The Vice President of Operations provides strategic leadership for multiple business units, ensuring operational excellence, client satisfaction, financial performance, and regulatory compliance. This executive will lead multi-site operations, develop high-performing teams, strengthen client relationships, and support business growth initiatives while driving a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site operations to achieve financial, operational, and client satisfaction goals.
• Drive performance in client retention, regulatory compliance, food safety, purchasing, culinary standards, and people management.
• Build strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders while identifying opportunities for growth.
• Develop, coach, and mentor management teams to achieve operational and financial objectives.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, labor planning, and P&L performance across assigned operations.
• Analyze business metrics and implement data-driven strategies to improve results.
• Conduct regular site visits and oversee action plans to address performance gaps.
• Support business development efforts, including site surveys, presentations, proposals, and contract negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, financial, HR, and operational audit requirements.
• Communicate company initiatives and priorities while fostering collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• 12+ years of leadership experience in food service, hospitality, dining, catering, or related industries.
• 5+ years of multi-site or multi-unit operational leadership experience.
• Proven success driving financial performance, client satisfaction, retention, and operational excellence.
• Strong leadership experience building, coaching, and developing high-performing management teams.
• Expertise in P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and financial analysis.
• Experience using operational and financial data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated success building executive-level client relationships and supporting strategic growth initiatives.
• Experience with hiring, performance management, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Preferred Qualifications

• Dining and catering experience strongly preferred.
• Senior operations leadership experience within food service, hospitality, healthcare, corporate dining, or related environments.
• Knowledge of HACCP, food safety regulations, quality standards, regulatory compliance, and operational audits.
• Experience supporting business development, contract negotiations, and strategic initiatives.
• ServSafe or Department of Health certification preferred.

Core Competencies

Strategic Leadership • Financial Acumen • Operational Excellence • Client Relationship Management • Business Development • Team Development • Change Management • Food Safety & Compliance • Data-Driven Decision Making • Continuous Improvement

This role is ideal for a results-oriented leader who can align teams, drive accountability, strengthen client partnerships, and deliver consistent operational and financial results across a complex multi-site organization.