Vice President, Operations - Airline Lounges Job at Sodexo in Chicago
Sodexo, Chicago, IL, United States, 60290
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Sodexo Live! is seeking a Vice President of Operations for our Airport Lounge Business Segment. We are looking for an inspirational, dynamic, and passionate leader of premium hospitality food & beverage operations. This position reports directly to the Senior Vice President, Operations and has 5 to 6 direct reports.
This is a remote position with 70% travel initially and up to 50% thereafter.
Candidates should reside on the East Coast or Central and must be near a major airport.
The Vice President of Operations will lead a $160M portfolio managing approximately 26-30 Club Lounges across the U.S., with responsibilities including client relationship management, operational execution, and business planning. You will be a key member of the leadership team, supporting business operations and strategic initiatives.
The ideal candidate will have high standards for food and hospitality, with the ability to translate that into action, inspiration, and accountability. Responsibilities include retaining current business, developing teams, and optimizing profitability.
This role involves frequent travel to lounge locations and offers an exciting opportunity to leverage your food & beverage operations leadership experience to motivate and develop future leaders.
Incentives include an Annual Incentive Plan and Car Allowance.
What You'll Do
- Maintain strategic relationships with client contacts.
- Monitor Sodexo Live!'s performance, ensuring client requirements are met.
- Coordinate information from Operations, Sales, Retention, and Web of Influence to identify risks or growth opportunities.
- Oversee financial performance.
- Ensure local leadership provides necessary oversight and resources.
- Use leadership skills to ensure actions are taken and resources allocated to retain and grow the portfolio.
- Facilitate effective communication within the team and with clients.
- Work with local leadership to achieve growth and retention.
- Direct efforts of District Managers focusing on growth and guest engagement.
What We Offer
Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with matching, Paid Time Off, Holidays, and career growth opportunities. Salary is competitive and based on experience and qualifications.
What You Bring
- Current premium food & beverage operations leadership experience.
- Proven track record as a senior leader in high-volume, premium food & beverage operations, preferably in airports, hotels, or restaurants.
- Strong P&L management skills.
- Experience in employee relations and managing upscale environments.
- Ability to lead change and foster a growth-oriented culture.
- Strategic leadership with a strong executive presence.
- Success in achieving business goals, managing resources, and leading teams across large regions.
- Financial acumen, including forecasting and budgeting.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, capable of engaging with all levels including the C-suite.
- Technically savvy, decisive, with a big-picture perspective.
Who We Are
Sodexo aims to create a better everyday for everyone, focusing on quality of life and community progress through diverse services including food, facilities management, and more. We value diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 10 years of management experience.
- Minimum 10 years of multi-unit or strategic leadership experience.
Additional Details
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Management and Manufacturing
- Industries: Facilities Services, Healthcare, Hospitality