Regional Operations Leader

Confidential Executive Opportunity | Atlanta, GA

The Role at a Glance

We are seeking an accomplished executive to lead a diverse, multi-segment business across the Southeast region for a leading national foodservice and hospitality organization.

The Regional Operations Leader will have full ownership of regional strategy, P&L performance, business growth, client retention, and talent development across multiple industry verticals, including Education, Healthcare, Corrections, Community Meals, and Dining & Events.

This is a high-impact executive opportunity for a strategic, commercially minded leader who can drive profitable growth, strengthen client partnerships, and build high-performing teams across a complex regional portfolio.

Location: Atlanta, GA, with regular regional travel.

What You'll Be Doing

Regional Strategy & Business Performance

• Own the regional business strategy and full P&L, driving revenue growth, profitability, operational excellence, and long-term business performance.
• Lead a diverse portfolio of operations across multiple industry segments, ensuring accountability and alignment with enterprise objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve performance, optimize resources, and strengthen the region's competitive position.

Business Growth & Client Retention

• Lead regional growth initiatives, partnering with business development teams to pursue new opportunities, strategic bids, and market expansion.
• Build and maintain executive-level client relationships, driving account retention, satisfaction, and long-term partnerships.
• Serve as the senior executive leader for critical client engagements, contract negotiations, and business opportunities.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing regional leadership team with clear accountability for business results.
• Drive succession planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness to support sustainable growth.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence

• Provide executive oversight of regional operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery, financial discipline, and consistent operational performance.
• Leverage business analytics and performance metrics to drive strategic decisions and continuous improvement.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to strengthen operational capabilities, improve efficiencies, and support enterprise initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in foodservice, hospitality, facilities services, or a related multi-site service industry.
• Significant executive leadership experience overseeing large-scale, geographically dispersed operations with full P&L accountability .
• Proven success driving profitable growth, operational performance, and strategic business transformation.
• Experience leading diversified business portfolios, multiple industry verticals, or complex operating environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success in business development, client retention, and executive-level relationship management.
• Proven ability to develop senior leaders, build high-performing teams, and establish effective succession plans.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, financial acumen, executive presence, and ability to lead within a matrixed organization.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field required; MBA preferred.
• Must be based in Atlanta, GA , with the ability to travel regularly throughout the region.

The Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to lead a significant regional business with broad strategic authority and accountability. The successful candidate will be an enterprise-minded executive who combines strong business acumen, operational expertise, and a passion for developing talent to deliver sustained growth and long-term success.