Regional Operations Manager

Vertex Education•Columbia, SC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Regional Operations Manager oversees facilities, food services, and IT service delivery across multiple K–12 school campuses. This mid-level leadership role ensures safe, compliant, and efficient operations that directly support teaching and learning. The position provides training, guidance, and consultative support to campus leaders and managers while driving consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement across operational domains. The Regional Operations Manager partners closely with principals, director of school operations, campus-based managers, and central office teams to maintain high operational standards, meet regulatory requirements, and execute short- and long-term improvement plans.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Facilities Management, Operations, Business, Information Technology, or similar), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
5+ years of experience in facilities management, food service operations, IT service delivery, or a combination of these areas, preferably in a multi-site or K–12 environment.
Demonstrated experience supervising, training, and supporting operational teams.
Working knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Successful completion of a criminal history background check.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid IVP Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Nice To Haves

Experience with food service compliance and NSLP requirements strongly preferred.
Experience supporting or coordinating IT service delivery in a distributed environment preferred.
ServSafe Manager Certification (required or obtainable upon hire).
ITIL or other service management training preferred.
Lean Six Sigma, Project Management Professional, Certified Facility Manager or other operational certification preferred.
Familiarity with IT service management tools a plus.
Ability to influence without direct authority and partner effectively with campus leadership.
Data-informed problem solver with a continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

Conduct regular campus audits to ensure compliance with safety, cleanliness, quality, and operational standards.
Ensure preventive maintenance is completed on schedule for all major building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire, security, and grounds.
Support campus facility managers with planning, scheduling, and execution of facility-related capital projects and operating repairs.
Provide timely solutions for facility-related emergencies and urgent capital needs.
Assist principals and campus leaders with CAPEX and operating budget development, monitoring, and forecasting.
Partner with campus leadership on long-term facility planning, including major repairs, system replacements, and facility improvements.
Oversee food service operations across campuses to ensure high-quality meal service and compliance with the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and all state and federal regulations.
Ensure proper execution of breakfast and lunch programs, including recipe adherence, menu compliance, and production standards.
Conduct regular kitchen audits focused on food safety, sanitation, inventory management, and production record accuracy.
Review required food service documentation to ensure accurate state claiming and meal pattern compliance.
Serve as a point of contact for food service concerns, collaborating with school administrators and families as needed.
Provide regional oversight of campus IT service delivery to ensure reliable, consistent, and timely technology support.
Partner with IT leadership and field technicians to ensure campus execution aligns with enterprise standards and service expectations.
Monitor service performance metrics (e.g., response times, resolution times, recurring issues) and escalate risks as needed.
Support incident and problem management efforts by identifying trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities impacting campuses.
Ensure campuses follow established IT processes, documentation, and continuity plans.
Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and development of campus-based facilities, food service, and IT-related managers.
Provide onboarding and ongoing training in safety, maintenance, cleanliness, regulatory compliance, food service standards, customer service, and operational best practices.
Coach campus managers to build effective teams and promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Support principals in staffing decisions for custodial, grounds, kitchen, and related operational roles.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal OSHA, workplace safety, food service, and operational regulations.
Conduct regular audits and inspections across facilities, food service, and IT operations.
Maintain accurate documentation and follow-up on corrective actions.
Facilitate regular manager meetings to share updates, training, and best practices.
Collaborate with campus and Central leadership to identify operational inefficiencies and implement practical, cost-effective solutions.
Promote standardized processes and consistent service delivery across campuses.
Support data-informed decision-making related to staffing, budgeting, maintenance, food service, and technology operations.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.