Vice President, Operations

Sodexo; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 172,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Matching

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Medical, Dental, Vision

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a senior Corporate Services leader for the Midwest, responsible for shaping strategy, driving performance, and building high-performing teams. The role emphasizes culture, client satisfaction, and operational excellence across a key business area near the Midwest and major airports, with regular travel to support clients.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and 10 years in management and related experience, plus a proven ability to lead large teams, engage stakeholders,

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Management experience: 10 years.
• Related experience: 10 years.
• Experience leading large, cross-functional teams with a focus on operational excellence and long-term growth.
• Consultative and communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders and foster trusted client relationships.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to turn insights into action and drive meaningful business outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in talent development, succession planning, and building high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire large cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence and sustained growth.
• Drive strategic initiatives that enhance client satisfaction, growth, and innovation across the division.
• Develop and coach high-performing teams with a focus on talent management and succession planning.
• Influence stakeholders and nurture trusted client partnerships using proven relationship strategies.
• Introduce new ideas and process improvements to deliver value for clients and customers.
• Collaborate with regional and segment leaders to align local efforts with broader business goals.
• Utilize data-driven insights to guide workforce planning, improve team efficiency, and optimize decision-making.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Operational excellence

Talent development

Strategic thinking

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Corporate Services leadership role supporting Midwest clients. Seeking a proven leader with food service contract experience to drive operational excellence, strengthen culture, develop teams, and deliver outstanding client results.

Candidate must reside in the Midwest near a major airport and be willing to travel regularly as required to support clients and business needs

About the job

Step into a high-impact leadership position where you'll shape strategy, inspire performance, and drive growth across a key business area. You'll lead teams, foster client relationships, and deliver solutions that support long-term success—for both your division and the broader organization.

Oversees the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. Work is primarily achieved by an individual or through project teams, with emphasis on technical knowledge rather than managing people.

Pay Range: $171870 per year - $222420 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

• Champion a strong safety culture while delivering operational excellence and consistent commercial performance
• Drive strategic initiatives that support sustainable growth, client satisfaction, and innovation across your division
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, with a strong focus on talent management, succession planning, and engagement
• Influence key stakeholders and cultivate trusted client partnerships using proven tools and relationship strategies
• Bring forward new ideas, operational improvements, and branded programs to create lasting value for clients and customers
• Collaborate with regional and segment leaders to align local efforts with broader business goals
• Use data-driven insights to guide workforce planning, improve team efficiency, and enhance decision-making

What you'll bring

• Experience leading large, cross-functional teams with a focus on operational excellence and long-term growth
• Consultative and communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders and foster trusted client relationships
• Strategic mindset with the ability to turn insights into action and drive meaningful business outcomes
• Demonstrated success in talent development, succession planning, and building high-performing teams
• Deep understanding of client environments and the ability to serve as a trusted advisor who brings forward innovative, value-driven solutions

Requirements

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