DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Job Summary

This position is open to both remote and hybrid work. The Director of Strategic Initiatives serves as a key member of the FLIK Independent School Dining leadership team and reports directly to the President. This role is responsible for driving the successful execution of FISD's most important operational, strategic, and cross-functional initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Initiative Management
• Lead and manage FISD's portfolio of strategic initiatives, including new account launches, client retention programs, operational improvement initiatives, and cross-functional pilots
• Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, ownership structures, and success metrics for key division priorities
• Drive accountability across departments and ensure commitments are completed on time
• Identify project risks, remove roadblocks, and escalate issues when necessary
• Provide regular executive-level reporting on initiative status, risks, and outcomes
• Own the cadence of business reviews, leadership team meetings, and planning offsites — preparing agendas, capturing decisions, and driving action
• Operational Excellence Execution
• Partner closely with the Operational Excellence team to ensure corrective action plans resulting from audits are fully implemented
• Establish and manage a centralized tracking process for audit findings, action plans, and resolution timelines
• Work directly with District Managers and support teams to drive completion of required actions
• Validate completion of corrective actions and ensure sustainable process improvements are achieved
• Identify recurring operational challenges and recommend systemic solutions
• New Business Mobilization and Unit Openings
• Serve as project lead for major account mobilizations, new unit openings, and significant operational transitions
• Cook up coordination activities across Operations, Human Resources, Finance, Technology, Procurement, Marketing, and Culinary teams
• Develop and manage opening readiness plans and milestone reviews
• Ensure schools are operationally prepared prior to launch
• Conduct post-opening reviews and support stabilization efforts during the first 90 days of operation
• Systems Implementation and Business Transformation
• Lead implementation of operational and technology initiatives including POS conversions, reporting enhancements, client-facing tools, and process improvement projects
• Partner with Compass Group technology teams and external vendors to coordinate implementation activities
• Translate operational needs into business requirements and implementation plans
• Support change management, communication, and training efforts to drive adoption
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reporting, and client experience through technology and process improvements
• Client Commitment and Retention Support
• Maintain visibility to key client commitments, strategic initiatives, and retention-related action plans
• Partner with Operations and Account Management leaders to ensure commitments are delivered on schedule
• Track progress against major client initiatives and provide visibility to leadership
• Support strategic retention efforts and high-priority client projects
• Compass Group Partnership, Cross-Functional Leadership, & Executive Support
• Develop strong relationships across Compass Group support functions and centers of excellence
• Serve as a resource for field teams navigating Compass processes and support structures
• Help accelerate implementation of enterprise initiatives within FISD
• Serve as a trusted thought partner and operational extension of the President — translating strategic priorities into clear plans, owners, and outcomes
• Lead high-priority special projects assigned by the President, including business development support, new partnership evaluations, and operational pilots
• Identify organizational gaps, escalate risks proactively, and bring forward well-developed recommendations

Qualifications

• 8-12 years of progressive experience in project management, business transformation, implementation leadership, or a related field
• Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives across multiple stakeholders
• Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Demonstrated success driving accountability and achieving results without direct authority
• PMP certification or equivalent project management experience
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Willingness to travel to support projects, openings, and operational initiatives

Associates at Flik Hospitality are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retail Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.