SENIOR DIRECTOR, OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Operational Excellence is a strategic, results-driven leader responsible for driving excellence across multiple operational domains. This role leads a team of four senior leaders focused on Food & Safety Quality Assurance, Design & Construction, Procurement, and Strategic Projects. The position is pivotal in optimizing operational performance, ensuring compliance, and delivering high-impact initiatives across the enterprise. This leader will report directly to the COO and be a key contributor to the organization’s transformation and growth strategy. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, strategic thinker, and collaborative influencer with deep expertise in cross-functional operations and data-driven decision-making 

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and mentor a team of four senior leaders across core operational functions.
• Develop and execute strategies that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, grow margin and improve service delivery.
• Partner with the COO to align operational initiatives with broader organizational goals.
• Champion a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

Functional Oversight

• Food & Safety Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards and drive continuous improvement in food safety protocols.
• Design & Construction: Oversee and support planning, budgeting, and execution of new builds and renovations, ensuring alignment with brand standards and timelines.
• Procurement: Optimize sourcing strategies, vendor relationships, and cost management across all categories.
• Strategic Projects: Lead end-to-end project management for new business openings, IT implementations, and operational enhancements within existing business units.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Human Resources, Sales, and Finance to ensure seamless execution of initiatives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability across matrixed teams.
• Serve as a key liaison between operational teams and executive leadership to ensure strategic alignment.

Data & Analytics

• Leverage advanced analytics and performance metrics to inform decision-making and track progress.
• Implement tools and dashboards that provide visibility into operational KPIs and project milestones.
• Utilize specialized data and analytics to make sound decisions and drive continuous improvement.

Project & Program Management

• Oversee strategic projects from concept to completion, including new business launches and upgrades to existing operations.
• Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support business growth and retention.
• Represent the organization in high-level meetings and strategic planning sessions.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, project management, or related fields.
• Proven success in managing cross-functional teams and complex projects in a matrixed organization.
• Experience in food safety, construction management, procurement, and strategic planning.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data visualization and performance reporting.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Lean Six Sigma
• Deep understanding of analytics, workplace amenities, F&B and/or services
• Strong written and communication skills
• Operational Excellence
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Project Management
• Change Management
• Collaboration & Influence