Regional Director of Operations, Ohio

Pay: $120,000.00 - $130,000.00 plus bonus. 75% travel required.

About the role

The Regional Director of Operations is responsible for the overall operation, growth, and profitability of the Ohio region. You will provide vision and strategic leadership to drive resident and client satisfaction through best-in-class dining and hospitality experiences. This hands-on role requires travel to regional communities to train and support culinary, hospitality, and service leadership teams.

The Strategic Dining difference is in the support we deliver—focusing on successful systems, techniques, and tools while improving dining experiences, community cost savings, and resident satisfaction. We partner with clients and communities to meet goals unique to each location.

Responsibilities

• Balance company, community, and regulatory agency requirements with client objectives to create customized dining programs.
• Conduct regular on-site visits to coach, train, and follow up on assigned goals; send visit summaries to Executive Directors, Chefs, Dining Service Directors, and corporate teams.
• Perform quarterly business reviews with clients to ensure objectives are met, communicate industry trends, and gather feedback.
• Actively participate in food service-related committees and special events to demonstrate team commitment to the community.
• Develop priority-focused consultation agendas in advance of visits and ensure community staff can attend.
• Drive guest satisfaction by maintaining product and service quality standards through periodic property inspections, training programs, and corrective actions.
• Review resident surveys for service concerns and collaborate with Executive Directors and Dining Service Directors to resolve issues.
• Leverage company support teams and systems to meet regional Key Performance Indicators.
• Collaborate with department heads, chefs, and managers to create innovative menus and dining concepts that exceed guest expectations.
• Ensure responsible financial management of assigned communities, including annual budget development, monitoring financial reports, and implementing policies to meet budgetary targets.
• Complete all daily, weekly, or monthly reports as outlined by the Director of Operations.
• Conduct monthly budget reviews with each location to track dining expenses and create action plans as needed.
• Assist in the sales process for new business accounts and new opening services.
• Collaborate with the marketing team on promotional initiatives, special events, and campaigns to drive revenue and enhance resident experiences.
• Coach and support operations teams to effectively manage wages and controllable expenses.
• Provide vision, strategy, and tools to team members to execute community dining programs and exceed resident and client satisfaction.
• Motivate, develop, and manage a diverse team through feedback, training programs, and one-on-one coaching.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and motivate high-performing culinary, hospitality, and service professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Maintain an “open door policy” to solicit employee feedback and address team member concerns.

Requirements

• Track record of ensuring high-quality services, financial success, and client satisfaction within the region.
• Experience in multi-unit management in contract food services.
• Culinary experience and a culinary degree preferred.
• Proficiency in Compass Group systems (OMS, MUS, efinance, myorders) preferred but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with internal teams and external partners.
• Exceptional leadership, training, and influencing skills.
• Ability to cultivate strong relationships and inspire teams.
• Hands-on leadership style with a focus on building robust relationships.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.
• Flexibility to travel frequently between communities within the Ohio region.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and AD&D
• Disability insurance
• Retirement plan
• Flexible time off
• Paid parental leave
• Holiday time off (varies by site/state)
• Personal leave
• Associate shopping program
• Health and wellness programs
• Discount marketplace
• Identity theft protection
• Pet insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)