Vice President, Refreshment Strategy and Operations
About The Position
The Vice President of Refreshment Strategy and Operations leads strategic initiatives and operating improvements across the Refreshment Services division. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, this executive provides accountable leadership for service operations, equipment strategy, fleet and facilities oversight, technology adoption, innovation, and acquisition integration. The role expands the division’s executive capacity as the business grows and becomes more complex, working closely with Regional Vice Presidents, General Managers, and functional leaders to improve performance and implement consistent operating practices. It is a potential succession path to the Executive Vice President of Refreshment Services role. The position translates division strategy into measurable priorities and leads cross-functional execution, operating reviews, continuous improvement, and service and technical operations. It oversees equipment lifecycle and asset management, operational technology, innovation and growth initiatives, commercial support, fleet and facilities, and acquisition diligence and integration. Approximately 20% of the role’s focus is dedicated to innovation and growth initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive and applicable leadership experience in operations, refreshment services, foodservice, retail, distribution, or a comparable multi-location service business.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects, improve operating performance, and implement consistent processes across multiple locations.
- Strong understanding of technical service operations, equipment lifecycle management, fleet planning, and facilities oversight.
- Financial and analytical skills sufficient to evaluate program economics, operating margins, capital investments, acquisitions, and integration results.
- Ability to evaluate and implement operational technology, lead change, and improve adoption of business systems.
- Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft applications, with the ability to turn operational data into clear decisions and executive reporting.
- Effective leadership, communication, vendor management, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to influence across functions.
Responsibilities
- Translate division strategy into annual priorities and executable projects with clear owners, milestones, and performance measures.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives involving Operations, Sales, Accounting, IT, Marketing, Facilities, and Service; resolve barriers and hold teams accountable.
- Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual operating reviews using division dashboards, scorecards, and consistent reporting.
- Apply systems design, process engineering, continuous improvement, and high reliability organization principles to improve quality, safety, and operating consistency.
- Direct service and technical operations, including installation, repair, refurbishment, preventive maintenance, dispatch, equipment relocation and deployment, warranty administration, and parts inventory.
- Improve technician productivity, response times, first-time fix rates, equipment uptime, service quality, and labor efficiency; reduce repeat calls and improve parts utilization.
- Develop equipment modernization and replacement plans, lifecycle programs, and standards for asset appearance, reliability, and age.
- Oversee equipment placement, asset management systems, refurbishment, and parts sourcing; support procurement decisions and partner with the Fleet Manager on vehicle planning and optimization.
- Serve as the division’s principal operational liaison to IT and define business requirements for technology investments.
- Lead technology evaluation, vendor relationships, implementation, user adoption, change management, reporting, and systems optimization.
- Oversee operational use of Streamware / Crane, Cantaloupe, Lightspeed, 365 Retail Markets, ZippyAssist, Slack, analytics platforms, and future refreshment technologies.
- Dedicate approximately 20% of the role’s focus to innovation and growth initiatives.
- Evaluate emerging retail formats, equipment innovations, smart retail technologies, automation, cashless systems, and new refreshment concepts.
- Assess adjacent business verticals, new revenue streams, and strategic partnerships; lead pilots and assess their economics, operating requirements, and scalability.
- Develop an innovation roadmap and coordinate adoption of concepts that demonstrate business value.
- Serve as the operating partner to the Refreshment sales organization, reviewing large and complex opportunities for operational feasibility, financial performance, pricing, and program economics.
- Oversee proofs of concept, account setup standards, and post-sale performance evaluation to support reliable execution and client satisfaction.
- Participate in the review and approval of opportunities exceeding approximately $300,000 in annual value and other strategically significant opportunities.
- Develop subcontractor and multi-site service support strategies to support growth and consistent client service.
- Provide executive oversight of fleet planning and optimization in partnership with the Fleet Manager.
- Oversee facilities management, owned and leased properties, preventive maintenance programs, capital projects, and facility improvements.
- Guide branch and warehouse projects, real estate records management, and facility planning in support of division operating needs.
- Lead valuation analysis, financial and operational diligence, integration planning, and post-close integration for assigned acquisitions.
- Manage acquisition projects, coordinate integration across functions, track synergies, and standardize acquired operations.
- Support target sourcing, initial outreach, and legal diligence in coordination with the EVP and appropriate internal and external resources.
- Set priorities and performance expectations for direct reports and assigned project teams; coach leaders and establish accountability for delivery.
- Partner with Regional Vice Presidents and General Managers to implement division initiatives and resolve operating issues.
- Maintain productive relationships with equipment vendors, technology partners, industry organizations, and other strategic partners.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
