Regional Director of Operations

Regional Director of Operations

This position is a remote position based in our current operating footprint in the states of Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Missouri. Travel required based on business needs. Lead Leaders. Drive Growth. Deliver Excellence. At Lunchtime Solutions, our success is built on Integrity, Teamwork, Passion, Customer Focus, and Excellence. We are seeking a strategic Regional Director of Operations to lead a portfolio of school food service operations through the development and support of our Area Director team.

This leadership role focuses on developing high-performing leaders, driving financial and operational success, strengthening customer relationships, and identifying opportunities to grow and enhance school nutrition programs. Rather than solving day-to-day operational issues, the Regional Director empowers Area Directors to lead effectively, achieve results, and build strong partnerships with schools.

Develop Leaders

• Coach, mentor, and develop Area Directors to achieve operational, financial, and leadership goals.
• Foster accountability, succession planning, and talent development.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, USDA regulations, and company expectations.

Drive Operational & Financial Performance

• Lead achievement of regional sales, participation, gross margin, and profitability goals.
• Analyze KPIs and financial results to identify opportunities, risks, and improvement strategies.
• Support Area Directors in creating and executing action plans that drive results.

Strengthen Customer Relationships

• Support customer retention through strong partnerships and proactive problem-solving.
• Assist with contract renewals, RFPs, and strategic customer discussions.
• Ensure programs meet customer needs while maintaining financial sustainability.

Identify Growth Opportunities

• Partner with Area Directors to implement value-added programs that enhance the student experience and increase participation.
• Evaluate opportunities for menu innovation, technology, operational improvements, and program growth.
• Support business development and startup readiness within the region.

Lead Continuous Improvement

• Identify trends, best practices, and operational efficiencies across the region.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR, Culinary, Purchasing, Sales, and other departments to drive success.
• Champion innovation and improvements that strengthen our operations and customer experience.

• Proven multi-unit operational leadership experience with strong financial and business acumen
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing through leaders and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout the assigned region.
• Minimum 5 years of regional operations experience
• 7-10 years of relevant experience in food service management or related field
• Associate's degree required, bachelor's degree preferred.

• Enjoy your evenings and weekends our Monday–Friday daytime schedule means no late nights, no weekends, and no holidays spent at work.
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) retirement plan
• Enjoy work life balance with paid time off and paid holidays
• Invest in your health with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible team members.

• Take pride in what you do
• Focus on customer success
• Be a person of integrity
• Drive to improve
• Do it with passion
• Express gratitude
• Work as a team
• Pursue lasting partnerships
• Embrace a healthy work-life balance

If these values resonate with you, we'd love to meet you! Lunchtime Solutions performs post offer background investigations prior to starting employment with our company. This background investigation may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: criminal convictions and DMV record if appropriate for the position. Lunchtime Solutions Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

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