VP Foodservice Operations

Company Description

Variety FoodServices is a Michigan-based, 4th generation family-owned business that has been providing food service solutions since 1928. As the largest independent food service provider in Michigan, we specialize in serving the nourishment needs of businesses, schools, and healthcare organizations using multiple solutions such as school meal programs, vending, on-site cafeterias, and corporate catering services.

With its beginnings in vending, Variety FoodServices has grown to become Michigan’s largest independent vending and cafeteria service provider and are now ranked in the top 5% of all vending and food service companies. They are and always have been dedicated to Michigan serving over 400 Michigan clients (industrial, institutional, and public) and employing hundreds of Michigan residents. They continue to be a family-owned and operated business now in its fourth generation with eight family members. Their headquarters is located in Warren, Michigan.

Variety truly enjoys and fiercely defends an outstanding reputation for integrity, and keeping their promises that both their clients and competitors will attest to. They are the only food service company to ever receive the Chrysler QE award and were awarded it the last two years it was offered. Variety is proud to do business with many of Michigan's finest businesses and institutions.

Role Responsibilities:

The ideal candidate will onboard as the VP of Operations. Focus will be on developing and overseeing operations processes and performance. Working closely with senior leadership, the VP of Operations will develop business strategies to grow the business, possibly identifying new segments or growth within existing segments as well as to develop client development strategies and champion operational and quality improvements.

Around the 24-month timeframe, the expectation is for them to move into the president’s role where he/she will have multiple functional areas reporting to them: finance, operations, sales and marketing, and customer service. They will share their knowledge and experience as to mentor, coach, and develop the next generation of family members to takeover the company.

Ideal candidate will bring 20+ years of experience in foodservice. Knowledge across all functional areas is preferred. Prior experience as a general manager, or senior executive with success in finance, operations, or sales & marketing.

Manage & Develop Companywide Customer Focused & Efficient Operational System - 60%

• Direct/create/oversee all operations processes and performance
• Develop operational improvements to benefit customer satisfaction & efficiency
• Meet customer satisfaction standards and plan goals
• Develop strategies to retain and delight customers

Handle and develop key account direct client relationships

Company Strategic Management - 40%

• Participate in key senior level business strategy/implementation development
• Assist in next generation leadership development
• Assist Marketing in client development strategies and presentations
• Champion operational and quality improvement/development

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive responsibility including successful experience in contract foodservices operations with a focus on operations & customer service
• Comfortable developing and managing client relationships and presentations
• Proven track record of excellent leadership & communications skills; a broad knowledge of management practices and good business analysis/project management skills
• Demonstrated broad business acumen – ability to effectively communicate and work with other executives in support of achieving business and systems goals
• Proven ability to manage numerous projects, as well as resources, remotely in a highly dispersed organization
• Proven leadership and mentoring skills - ability to select top talent and create a productive environment that promotes initiative, innovation, continual learning and career development of key personnel for future advancement
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with a wide range of audiences including clients, front line managers and C-level leaders
• Bachelor's degree preferred