Project Manager

About the role

The Portfolio Project Manager of Operations & Strategic Initiatives leads the planning, coordination, and execution of complex projects and strategic initiatives across a multi‑site client portfolio. Acting as the critical link between project management and operational execution, the role combines strong project discipline with deep hospitality and operational expertise. The manager partners with clients, LifeWorks operational leadership, and cross‑functional partners to ensure projects are well‑planned, operationally sound, and successfully implemented, covering new openings, renovations, operational transitions, technology deployments, program launches, and other portfolio‑wide initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex projects and portfolio‑wide initiatives from initial planning through implementation, stabilization, and closeout.
• Serve as the primary operational partner to ensure alignment between project planning, client expectations, and operational execution.
• Lead operational planning and readiness for new openings, renovations, relocations, expansions, service changes, and major transitions across the portfolio.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including scope, timelines, milestones, responsibilities, dependencies, risks, budgets, and key deliverables.
• Proactively identify operational and project risks, escalate barriers when appropriate, and develop solutions to maintain project timelines and business continuity.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams (Operations, Culinary, Marketing, Technology, Facilities, Procurement, Finance, HR, Sustainability, etc.) as needed.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, decision points, and accountability across project teams.
• Facilitate project meetings and provide clear reporting on status, milestones, risks, decisions, and next steps to operational and senior leadership.
• Translate strategic initiatives into executable operational plans that can be consistently implemented across multiple locations.
• Develop and standardize project management tools, processes, documentation, playbooks, and operating procedures to create repeatable approaches.
• Monitor operational readiness leading up to project launches, including staffing, training, equipment, technology, procurement, communications, menus/programming, and other requirements.
• Provide onsite operational support during critical phases, openings, launches, and transitions as needed.
• Lead post‑launch stabilization, identify gaps, track corrective actions, and ensure successful transition of projects to ongoing operations.
• Partner with operational leaders to identify opportunities for process improvement, standardization, productivity, and operational excellence.
• Support change management by developing implementation strategies, stakeholder communications, training plans, and adoption measures for portfolio‑wide initiatives.
• Build strong relationships and credibility with client stakeholders, operators, and functional partners, serving as a trusted resource for both project management and operational execution.
• Research, analyze, and present project results, operational data, recommendations, and lessons learned to leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Project Management, Operations, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in operations, project management, hospitality, food service, workplace experience, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi‑functional projects from planning through implementation.
• Large‑volume, multi‑site operational experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting new openings, renovations, mobilizations, operational transitions, or large‑scale program implementations preferred.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects of varying size and complexity.
• PMP or other recognized project management certification preferred, but not required.
• Strong business and financial acumen with ability to understand project budgets, business impacts, operational performance, and ROI.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
• Proven ability to build credibility and effectively partner with senior leaders, clients, operators, and cross‑functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to lead and influence teams without direct reporting authority.
• Highly organized, self‑motivated, and comfortable working independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities and competing deadlines.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout the client portfolio based on project needs.

Pay

Salaried range: $120,000.00 to $128,000.00.

Benefits

Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs for eligible employees, including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans such as a 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to legal requirements, employee eligibility, and geographic factors.