Vice President of Operations, University of Kentucky

Compass Group•Lexington, KY

30d•Onsite

About The Position

Compass Group is proud to announce a transformative new partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK), launching July 2026. This long term collaboration brings together dining, hospitality, facilities management, and healthcare support services across UK’s campus, healthcare system, and athletics programs creating a unified, innovative service model that enhances the experience for students, faculty, staff, patients, and the broader community. As we build this integrated platform, we are seeking exceptional leaders who are passionate about innovation, service excellence, and shaping the future of campus and healthcare hospitality. The Vice President of Operations for Compass at UK Hospitality will oversee a large, multi unit dining and hospitality portfolio across the University of Kentucky in Lexington. This executive leader serves as the primary point of contact for UK partners, ensuring operational excellence, strong financial performance, and a cohesive, high performing team culture. The VP will drive strategy, elevate service delivery, and steward a best in class partnership experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and minimum of seven years of management experience, preferably in foodservice, hospitality management
Well-versed in all aspects of foodservice management with a proven track record of success
Proven track record of leading a business and a team, strong customer service, and good business and financial acumen
Demonstrates strong initiative, critical thinking, ownership, communications (listening, written, and verbal), multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills
Champions the inclusion mindset, and is proactive, positive, professional, and resilient
Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and POS software

Responsibilities

Leads, manages, and inspires a diverse team at a large account, with the goal of providing top-notch service to the clients and community
Drives and develops self and team at the account towards building strong relationships with the client(s) and achievement of key performance indicators (profitability, safety, employee engagement, etc.)
May serve on district leadership team, and participates in ongoing conversations with peers to share best practices, mitigate risks, champion diversity, and build community
Ensures decisions are weighed for risk/reward and short/long term implications while gathering input from the team and partners
Fosters a culture of transparency, understanding, education, safety, and accountability at the account
Serves as the representative/brand ambassador of Compass within the district and community; attends key client and community events
Ensures client needs are met or exceeded, we retain the account, find cross-sell opportunities, and assist in rebid process as directed
Supports functional areas of operation, including but not limited to safety, marketing, nutrition and culinary
Ensures adherence to local, state, federal and company policies, and conducts unit audits to ensure conformance for key areas (e.g. food storage, sanitation)
Maintains compliance with regulations and guidance for all applicable meal and retail programs, along with completing all required reporting on time
Champions development within the account; conducts performance evaluations, along with succession planning for the account; has full understanding of all roles within operation
Owns the financial results for the account, and works with leadership to ensure accuracy for reporting, forecasting, and budgeting processes
Ensures consistent and fair administration of al policies and procedures