Area Director (Multi-State District Manager)

Creative Dining Services • Zeeland, MI

31d

About The Position

Creative Dining Services is growing and seeking candidates for a multi-site Area Director (District Manager) to support our operations across multiple states, to proactively bring forward innovative solutions and inspire teams to deliver positively memorable hospitality experiences! As the Operations Director, you are responsible for $15 to $20 million of managed volume and will lead a team of six to ten General Managers and Food Service Directors across multiple states to generate innovative solutions with maximum sales and controllable profits in alignment with our corporate mission, vision, values, and quality standards. This position reports directly to the SVP or AVP of Operations and will assist in all phases of planning, budgeting, reporting, and analysis. This position will be based in Michigan, Indiana, or Ohio.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or related field required. Will consider equivalent education/experience. Advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of related experience, with 7-10+ years of leadership experience
• Previous multi-unit dining services or hospitality experience with at least 3 years overseeing a district with multiple sites and clients. Experience with colleges and universities preferred.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, team-building, and operations skills.
• Strong business and financial acumen with experience in developing and managing budgets
• Ability to lead in fast-paced, complex environments with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Adaptable to ambiguity and change, with proactive, critical-thinking, solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong active listening, written/verbal communication, and presentation skills
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• ServSafe certification and formal allergen training preferred
• Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• See the big picture, proactively bring forward innovative solutions, effectively communicate a plan, and inspire teams to deliver.
• Demonstrate leadership with a focus on mentoring, development, and succession planning.
• Understand how to monitor financial performance and teach leaders how to maximize sales and profitability while maintaining service and quality standards.
• Build trust and credibility virtually and effectively utilize technology to manage teams and client relationships remotely.
• Utilize proven client relationship management and superior customer relations skills.
• Be organized, detail-oriented, and a problem solver with critical thinking skills.
• Quickly adopt and regularly utilize a variety of technology platforms from people management to CRM and financial management.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and performance incentives
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with a company match of up to $1,500 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees