Regional Operations Leader, Northeast — Field & Remote

Yay Lunch; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Growth opportunities

Travel across markets

Field leadership autonomy

Job summary

The Yay Company is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to own the performance of our Northeast markets. Based in Pennsylvania, you will lead Kitchen Managers and Lunch Coordinators across MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY and CT, balancing in-person field presence with remote oversight.

You’ll manage direct margin, labor budgets, inventory, and launches for new kitchens, ensuring meals meet Yay’s standards and driving strong school partner relationships in a fast-growing company.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in multi-unit operations management.
• Experience managing kitchen or food production operations with margin focus.
• Proven ability to manage remote teams effectively.
• Strong people management and talent development experience.
• Financial fluency with P&L and direct margin implications.
• Self-directed, highly organized across a large geography.
• Willing to obtain ServSafe Manager certification within 30 days of hire.
• Based in Philadelphia or within commuting distance.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation; regular travel across markets.

Responsibilities

• Direct margin and financial performance oversight for each school in the region.
• Own labor budget and scheduling for Kitchen Managers across markets.
• Own sales numbers and school participation; address barriers to improve outcomes.
• Oversee weekly/monthly inventory and accurate counts across schools.
• Set standards and manage remote market supervision via daily Slack and weekly calls.
• Lead new kitchen launches end-to-end with Kitchen Managers.
• Develop and manage field staff; build a culture of ownership.
• Maintain field presence with Philadelphia as home base; ensure accountability.

Skills

Multi-unit operations

Food production operations

Remote team leadership

People management

P&L / direct margin

Organized / self-directed

Ambiguity & growth mindset

ServSafe Manager certification

Philadelphia base

Travel & transportation

Education

ServSafe Manager certification

Tools

Slack

Job description

The Yay Company is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to own the performance of our Northeast markets. Based in Pennsylvania, you will lead Kitchen Managers and Lunch Coordinators across MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY and CT, balancing in-person field presence with remote oversight.

You’ll manage direct margin, labor budgets, inventory, and launches for new kitchens, ensuring meals meet Yay’s standards and driving strong school partner relationships in a fast-growing company.