Senior Vice President of Operations

ExplorUS•Overland Park, KS

About The Position

ExplorUS is a family-owned company with nearly 30 years of experience operating National, State, and local park concessions. We specialize in elevating and transforming underperforming park operations – enhancing financial performance while improving the visitor experience and strengthening partnerships with park agencies. We’re seeking a Senior Vice President of Operations to provide executive leadership and strategic direction for assigned areas of responsibility ensuring operational excellence, a strong and engaged workforce, and a consistently exceptional guest experience. As a key member of the executive team, this leader will drive alignment, innovation, and scalable, long-term growth across the organization. At ExplorUS, we believe park concessions are more than a business – they are a responsibility. We are stewards of the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the parks entrusted to us and are committed to providing a level of hospitality that honors and enhances those places for generations to come.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive executive operations leadership experience, including 7+ years in senior executive roles overseeing complex, multi-location or multi-unit operations.
Demonstrated success in hospitality or service-driven industries, with a proven ability to elevate guest experience while driving financial performance.
Strong track record of developing and executing enterprise operational strategies that support growth, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
Strong financial acumen, including experience leading budgets, forecasts, capital planning, and cost-optimization initiatives.
Excellence in organizational management with the ability to motivate, manage, and develop high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate and influence as a senior executive team member.
Reputation for leading with integrity, energy, and purpose, with a deep commitment to employee well-being, guest satisfaction, and stewardship of natural, historic, and cultural resources.
Willingness and ability to travel 30-50% within assigned geographic region and to future acquisition locations.
Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or related field required.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the company’s long-term operational strategy in alignment with business goals.
Lead organizational planning, ensuring operational capabilities support growth, profitability and sustainability.
Partner with executive leadership to drive enterprise-wide initiatives and business transformation.
Identify new markets, services, or operational opportunities to strengthen competitive position.
Oversee daily operations across assigned portfolios, ensuring efficiency, service quality, and adherence to performance targets.
Build and implement scalable systems, processes, and operating models to improve productivity and reduce cost.
Set performance standards and metrics for operational teams and hold leaders accountable for results.
Champion continuous improvement methodologies.
Develop and manage operational budgets, forecasts, and capital planning.
Lead cost-optimization efforts without compromising service quality or employee experience.
Lead, mentor, and develop multi-level operational leadership teams.
Cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation and engagement.
Partner with HR on workforce planning, succession and talent strategy.
Ensure safe, consistent and value-aligned working environments.
Ensure exceptional guest experiences across all operational channels.
Leverage technology and data analytics to drive innovation and service improvements.
Manage relationships with clients, vendors and other key external stakeholders.
Represent operations strategy to board members and community partners as requested