Regional Vice President of Operations - Colleges & Universities

Creative Dining Services•Zeeland, MI

21d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or related field.
Minimum of 5years 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.
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
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 25lbsand navigate kitchen environments

Responsibilities

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.