Vice President of Operational Support - Mid-Atlantic ...

Vice President of Operational Support - Mid-Atlantic Region Philadelphia, PA, USA Requisition Number 16337 Location Philadelphia Culinary Job Description SUMMARYThe Vice President of Operational Support provides high-level leadership, vision, and operational excellence across assigned regions while driving organizational growth, client retention, and new business development. This position ensures that all operational controls, administrative systems, and reporting procedures are executed with precision to support financial stability, compliance, and long-term addition to regional oversight, this role partners closely with the Retention Team, supports new business opportunities, assists in new account openings during defined stabilization periods, leads special corporate projects, and plays an integral role in training and developing district and onsite operational leaders. The VP will model and reinforce Whitsonsu2019 mission of Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time through service excellence and strong operational leadership. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIESOperational Leadershipu2022 Provide daily leadership aligned with Whitsonsu2019 mission, values, and strategic objectives.u2022 Drive regional performance across sales, profitability, food quality, compliance, and customer experience.u2022 Conduct frequent field visits to assess operations, coach teams, and ensure program execution.u2022 Deliver accurate operational reporting to the COO; monitor performance and take corrective action as needed.u2022 Implement systems and processes that support scalability, efficiency, and financial strength.Client & Account Managementu2022 Strengthen client partnerships through proactive communication and consistent onsite presence.u2022 Review and resolve operational, financial, or program performance issues.u2022 Lead transition planning, equipment reviews, and onboarding for newly awarded accounts.u2022 Conduct a minimum of three weekly site visits, with priority given to underperforming or high-profile accounts.u2022 Ensure compliance with merchandising, menu standards, HHFKA requirements, and operational SOPs.Retention & New Account Stabilizationu2022 Partner with the Retention Team to support renewal strategies and strengthen year-over-year retention.u2022 Serve as the operational lead for new account openings, ensuring full implementation of systems, staffing, training, safety, and menu execution before transitioning to the long-term DM.u2022 Drive resolution of renewal-risk escalations by coordinating action across functional teams.New Business Development & Special Projectsu2022 Support bid tours, proposal development, operational design, labor modeling, and sales presentations.u2022 Provide strategic recommendations on the operational feasibility of new business opportunities.u2022 Lead operational components of corporate projects including acquisitions, technology rollouts, pilots, and strategic initiatives designated by the COO.u2022 Partner with Operations and Compliance leadership to establish project boards and workflows in .Talent Development & Trainingu2022 Support the structured training and onboarding of new District Managers, General Managers, and other operational leaders.u2022 Mentor and develop high-performing managers; strengthen succession pipelines.u2022 Identify coaching gaps and address underperformance with accountability and defined timelines.u2022 Lead regional meetings and support company-wide training forums.Financial & Strategic Managementu2022 Own regional financial performance, annual budgets, and client return negotiations.u2022 Develop and oversee annual improvement plans for each account (sales, labor, food cost, training, marketing).u2022 Partner with DMs to improve Days Outstanding (DO) through focused receivables strategies.u2022 Monitor pay scales to ensure market competitiveness and alignment with talent needs.u2022 Support safety initiatives and collaborate with the Safety Team to reduce claims.Technology & Systemsu2022 Champion the adoption and effective use of Culinary Suites, Salesforce, and all operational systems.u2022 Ensure consistent use of forecasting, menuing, PORs, audits, and reporting expectations.u2022 Collaborate with IT and cross-functional partners to improve system performance and user experience.Facility, Equipment & Asset Oversightu2022 Ensure proper maintenance of assets; recommend capital investments that enhance safety, sales, and retention.u2022 Oversee construction, equipment planning, and coordination during new account transitions.Supervisory Responsibilityu2022 Provide full leadership, direction, and performance oversight for District Managers and operational leaders.u2022 Conduct monthly supervisory check-ins, annual performance reviews, and ongoing coaching.u2022 Maintain high accountability to company standards, behaviors, and performance outcomes.Additional Dutiesu2022 Perform other duties, responsibilities, and strategic assignments as directed by the Senior Vice President - Operations or COO, including participation in high-priority operational initiatives, new business efforts, organizational transformation projects, and cross-departmental partnerships. This role offers a salary range of $180,000u2013225,000 $ annually, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, and paid holidays. Requirements REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIESEducationu2022 Bacheloru2019s degree in Nutrition, Food Service Management, Business, Culinary Arts, or related field; oru2022 10-15+ years of progressive multi-site leadership experience in food service.Certificationsu2022 ServSafe certified (required).u2022 Local jurisdictional safety certifications, as required.u2022 Preferred: SNS Level 3, FMP, CDM, active SNA membership.Experienceu2022 10+ years of food service management experience across multiple service lines.u2022 Minimum one year of experience leading in a high-volume urban K-12 environment.u2022 Strong culinary background required.u2022 Demonstrated success in multi-site leadership, talent development, and operational excellence.u2022 Bilingual Spanish highly desirable.Knowledgeu2022 Deep understanding of School Nutrition operations, compliance requirements, and financial levers.u2022 Expertise in operational systems, menuing, forecasting, and reporting tools.Technical Proficiencyu2022 Strong Microsoft Office skills.u2022 Ability to learn new technology platforms quickly.u2022 Proficiency in Salesforce, Culinary Suites, and operational software preferred.Other Qualifications:u2022 Ability to work cross-functionally and lead through influence across multiple business units.u2022 Executive presence and effective communication skillsu2022 Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills.u2022 Strong critical thinking and issue-resolution capabilities.u2022 High level of organization, time management, and accountability.u2022 Ability to influence, coach, and guide teams at all levels.Required Competencies:u2022 Business Acumenu2022 Problem Solving/Analysisu2022 Strategic Thinkingu2022 Leadershipu2022 Excellent Communication Skillsu2022 Decision Makingu2022 Financial Managementu2022 Collaboration Skillsu2022 Teamwork Orientedu2022 Project Managementu2022 Personal Effectiveness/Credibilityu2022 Change AgentWORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILSExpected Hours of Work:This is a full-time Exempt position. Days and hours of work are generally Monday u2013 Friday 8:00 am u2013 5:00 pm. As an exempt position, it is expected that Team Member will devote whatever time necessary to accomplish the goals and responsibilities. This may require extended work hours, evening, and/or weekend work.Travel Requirements:Travel will be required an average of three days per week based on business needs. Most travel will be day-trips within the assigned region; some overnight travel may be required.Physical Demands of the Job:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reachwith hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.Work Environment:The work is performed primarily in a company or home-office setting. The noise level in the company work environment is moderate. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duty does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, or a logical assignment to the position, and the Company reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Company and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change. Employeeu2019s signature below constitutes an employeeu2019s understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position. Work Schedule Generally Monday u2013 Friday 8:00 am u2013 5:00 pm. Supervisor Craig Whitcomb Salary Target $180,000-$225,000

Created: 2026-05-04