Regional Vice President of Operations - Colleges & ...

Join a mission-driven hospitality organization where transformational partnerships-not transactions-are at the heart of everything we do. Creative Dining Services is seeking an exceptional Regional Vice President (RVP) of Operations to lead our Colleges & Universities portfolio across a multi-state region. This is a high-impact, strategic leadership role ideal for an inspiring operator who can translate vision into execution, elevate client partnerships, and build high-performing teams. If you are the ideal team player - hungry, humble, and smart - and thrive in a people-first culture with extreme ownership for excellence - this is your next role. Clients choose us because they want a trusted, transparent hospitality partner who delivers operational excellence with heart. As an RVP, you will be central to that promise-shaping dining experiences, driving growth, and empowering teams. Who You Are A strategic, ethical, service-first leader who: Builds meaningful relationships Communicates with clarity and integrity Solves challenges proactively Drives results without compromising culture Inspires others through hands-on leadership and training What You'll Do Under the general direction of the Senior Vice President of Operations, lead and execute transformative operational strategies and initiatives, drive revenue and significant financial outcomes, and develop high-performing teams within a dynamic and growth-focused organization. Build a bench of ideal players for all operations positions in your region. Drive profitability sustainably through empowerment and accountability. Champion, implement, and measure operational standards of excellence in food quality, food safety, quality assurance, hospitality, purchasing, and systems execution. Maintain excellent public relations with all customers, clients, staff, vendors, industry partners, and the community; achieve high levels of customer and client satisfaction; and communicate professionally with clients to ensure integrity throughout operations and service delivery. Build relationships with current clients as well as community members/potential clients to grow new business opportunities. Lead business development initiatives including client retention, contract renewals, and organic in-account growth. Create and articulate compelling value propositions and exciting value-add offerings that meet the customer's needs; develop financial proformas and shape the future of our diners' experiences by proactively seeking information about trends in dining services. In conjunction with the Marketing team, develop effective, state-of-the-art sales proposals, collateral, and presentations. Ensure all accounts comply with all Creative Dining Services' marketing guidelines, processes, and initiatives. Conduct continuing analysis of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and financial outcomes to measure effectiveness of the team as stewards of clients' finances and contributions to Creative Dining Services' profitability. Perform other duties as assigned, aligned with our mission and values. What You Bring Required: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or related field. Required: Minimum of 5 years of multi-unit operations leadership in higher education contract foodservice, with at least 3 years in a leadership position directly managing a team of area directors/district managers. Required: Direct experience in successfully managing portfolios that exceed $100M. Must reside near a major airport within Creative Dining Services' higher education partnership regions. Exceptional leadership, communication, team building, and operations skills. Ability to lead in fast-paced, complex environments with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence. Highly adaptable to ambiguity and change, with a proactive, critical-thinking, solution-oriented mindset. Knowledge of current dining trends and innovation Strong active listening, written/verbal communication, and presentation skills Strong financial acumen; experience with P&L and management fee models preferred Proficiency in MS Office Suite Valid, unrestricted driver's license This is a hospitality leadership role that requires: Frequent travel 50%-70% (2-4 nights/week on average) by car, train and/or air. Occasional extended/irregular hours Ability to lift up to 25lbs and navigate kitchen environments Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities. We Offer Competitive pay and performance incentives Generous Paid Time Off Medical, dental, and vision insurance Health Savings Account with a company match of up to $1500 for qualifying plans Free mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program Company-paid life insurance Short- and long-term disability 401(k) with a company match Tuition reimbursement and discounts Why Join Us? "Companies always tell you a lot of things about who they are and what they are about, and most are not able to meet those expectations. My experience with Creative Dining since day one has been extremely positive and the truth in advertising is spot on. The support has been wonderful, and I am excited to learn and grow with the company." Jamie M., General Manager (Joined May 2021) At Creative Dining, we're passionate about people, partnerships, and performance. You'll join a purpose-driven team that values innovation, integrity, and impact. This is your opportunity to shape the future of hospitality partnerships while growing your career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. Creative Dining Services operates over 80 locations in 16 states, serving colleges, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers, hotels, camps, and independent K-12 schools to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services experience - one that's fun, innovative, and focused on community. Why? Because that's how it should be. Our Core Values are: Integrity Flexibility Family Creativity Sensitivity Sustainability Diversity Our team members are like family - to us and to our clients. We get to know people by name and personal preferences to provide a welcoming home away from home for our guests and for each other. Creative Dining Services is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Created: 2026-03-04