Senior director, operational excellence

Sodexo is searching for a Senior Director, Operational Excellence to support our Schools K-12 segment. This is a remote opportunity with up to 50% travel.

This role will identify performance gaps, training and support needs, and behavioral trends, helping drive greater operational consistency and effectiveness across the business.

About the job

Join a role where you’ll guide operational strategy and support programs that enhance performance across a dynamic campus services portfolio. In this position, you will coordinate operational initiatives, strengthen service standards, and support field teams in delivering consistent, high-quality experiences. Working across multiple functions, you will help translate strategic priorities into practical frameworks that elevate operations, strengthen client partnerships, and improve student engagement.

Pay Range

$156230 per year - $242550 per year

Incentive Eligibility: Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary

What’s in it for you

• A strategic opportunity to influence operational programs that shape campus dining, retail, and student-focused services.
• The chance to guide initiatives that improve service delivery, sustainability, wellness, and brand engagement across campuses.
• Close collaboration with operational leaders, platform experts, and cross-functional teams supporting campus environments.
• A role that blends strategic planning, operational support, and program development to strengthen performance.
• Opportunities to design playbooks, training programs, and operational standards that drive consistent outcomes.
• A dynamic environment where innovation and collaboration help elevate the campus experience for students and partners.

What you’ll bring

• Deep expertise in contract foodservice management and strong P&L experience.
• Experience leading operations or operational excellence initiatives in multisite service environments such as campuses, hospitality, or retail.
• Experience developing standardized processes, training frameworks, and operational playbooks that support consistent service delivery.
• Experience evaluating operational performance metrics and implementing improvements that enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Experience supporting business development efforts through feasibility studies, pricing analysis, and operational insights.
• Experience guiding cross-functional collaboration across service operations, field leadership, and platform teams.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Management Experience: 10 years
• Related Experience: 7 years

What we offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.