Food Operations Director

Job Overview

briefcase

Employment Type

Full-time
clock

Work Schedule

Standard Hours
diamond

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Training and Development
Career advancement opportunities

Job Description

Aramark is a leading global provider of food services, facilities management, and uniform services operating across 15 countries. With a deeply rooted commitment to service and a culture that values diversity and inclusivity, Aramark serves millions of guests daily through its innovative dining and facility solutions. The company prides itself on fostering career growth and providing employees with opportunities to reach their full potential in an engaging, supportive environment. Emphasizing equal employment opportunities, Aramark maintains a respectful workplace that does not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, or any legally protected characteristic.

The Food Operations Director role at Aramark focuses on devising and implementing meal solutions that cater thoughtfully to customer preferences and dietary restrictions. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing and coordinating dining operations where customers can select from a variety of pre-cooked meals. The director leads teams to ensure excellent service delivery, operational efficiency, and compliance with safety and sanitation standards. This leadership position demands strategic planning and hands-on management to optimize financial performance, drive client satisfaction, and align food service strategies with the overarching goals of the client.

In this capacity, the Food Operations Director mentors and fosters high-performing teams through recruitment, evaluation, training, and coaching. They establish systems that reward employee contributions and promote a culture of shared success. On the financial front, this role is charged with enhancing revenue streams and managing budgets prudently, emphasizing cost management in food, beverages, and labor. The director regularly analyzes profit and loss reports, manages resource allocation to meet quality and cost targets, and ensures compliance with Aramark's operational excellence standards. Beyond internal operations, the Food Operations Director engages with clients to understand their needs, communicates progress transparently, and explores innovative food offerings to drive sales growth and customer retention.

Safety and regulatory compliance are cornerstone responsibilities. The director cultivates a safe environment that prioritizes the well-being of clients, employees, and customers by upholding strict sanitation protocols and adhering to applicable laws. They supervise food production, distribution, and service with a quality and cost-conscious approach. Strategic foresight is required to develop protocols for acquiring, preparing, and distributing nourishment efficiently while maintaining meticulous records to meet Aramark, governmental, and accrediting agency standards.

This role ideally suits candidates with at least four years of relevant experience, including 1-3 years in a leadership capacity within food service. A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is essential. Effective communication skills and the ability to build and maintain positive client and customer relationships are critical for success. Candidates must demonstrate exemplary customer service aligned with Aramark's standards and the capability to collaborate across departments for a seamless food service experience. Physical requirements include the ability to occasionally handle items up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Aramark supports employee growth with comprehensive training programs spanning leadership development, skills training, and career advancement workshops. Flexible and remote work options may be available for select roles, reflecting the company’s commitment to work-life balance. Internships and student opportunities also form part of Aramark’s dedication to cultivating talent and offering diverse career pathways. The Food Operations Director position is a dynamic, rewarding opportunity for a skilled professional eager to make a meaningful impact in a thriving, service-oriented organization.

Job Requirements

  • A working history of at least four years is required for this position
  • Experience leading teams for 1-3 years is a must
  • Individuals applying for this position should have a proven track record in food service
  • Either a bachelor's degree or a comparable level of hands-on experience is compulsory
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to create and sustain positive interactions with clients and customers to encourage mutually beneficial business relationships
  • Competency in showcasing outstanding customer service adhering to Aramark's established service standards
  • Capability to preserve strong working alliances with different departments to deliver a cohesive food service experience
  • Intermittent manual handling, transporting, pushing, and pulling of items weighing up to 50 lbs
  • Must be comfortable standing for prolonged periods of time

Job Qualifications

  • A working history of at least four years is required for this position
  • Experience leading teams for 1-3 years is a must
  • Proven track record in food service
  • Either a bachelor's degree or comparable hands-on experience
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to maintain positive client and customer relationships
  • Competency in delivering excellent customer service according to Aramark standards
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with various departments

Job Duties

  • Coordinate, mentor, stimulate, and foster teams to maximize their contributions, including recruitment, evaluation, training, coaching, and performance management
  • Confirm that food services are in accordance with the Executional Schema
  • Enable your team by creating a shared understanding of the desired outcomes and the methods to achieve them through coaching sessions
  • Implement a system that acknowledges and rewards employees for their valuable contributions
  • Maintain the required safety and sanitation standards during operations
  • Acknowledge client needs and skillfully articulate operational progress
  • Introduce Aramark systems and processes to streamline your workflow
  • Enhance financial performance through revenue expansion and budget administration, emphasizing cost management strategies for food, beverages, and labor
  • Validate the regular production and supervision of profit and loss reports
  • Attain the desired outcomes for food and workforce expectations
  • Coordinate resource allocation in a manner that guarantees quality and cost control compliance with budgetary restrictions
  • Put into action and uphold Aramark’s outline for labor and culinary initiatives
  • Create value by focusing on operational efficiency, cost containment, and profit management
  • Sustaining complete compliance with Operational Excellence basics, which involve optimizing food processes and labor practices
  • Coordinate and manage the operations linked to production, distribution, and serving of food
  • Cultivate an environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of clients, customers, and employees alike
  • Abide by all relevant policies, rules, and laws, with a specific focus on safety, health, and hourly wage regulations
  • Develop and maintain systems and protocols for the acquisition, acceptance, retention, preparation, distribution, and menu creation of nourishments
  • Produce forecasts for operational components and analyze any divergences
  • Responsible for managing accounting responsibilities associated with these components
  • Ascertain that the prescribed sanitation and safety levels are maintained in their respective zones
  • Supervise and coordinate unit employees in tasks related to production oversight, merchandising coordination, quality supervision, cost management, labor administration, and staff training initiatives
  • Secure, bring on board, enhance, and retain front-line staff
  • Conduct intermittent inventory verifications
  • Uphold ARAMARK, governmental, and accrediting agency standards by maintaining records accordingly
  • Communicate with client managers and uphold positive client and customer relations across various levels within the client firm
  • Can partake in the sales process as well as negotiations related to contracts
  • Explore chances to introduce fresh offerings that drive sales growth and foster client retention
  • Manage the front-of-house duties within the dining operation
  • Devise and implement food service strategies that are aligned with the client's overarching goals and aspirations, emphasizing sustainable methodologies

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


Job Location

Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.

We'll match you with best jobs

Get job offers faster

Business woman
Business man
Search For More Opportunities:

How Candidates Get Hired Faster

Apply to 2–3 similar roles

Complete profile & get best matches

Check new opportunities daily

Woman chef
Man chef