Regional Director of Operations

New York | New Jersey | Pennsylvania

At Aramark SeniorLIFE+, we believe exceptional hospitality, dining, and support services enhance the lives of those we serve every day. We are seeking a relationship-focused, results-driven Regional Director of Operations to lead a portfolio of healthcare and senior living communities throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Reporting to the Market Vice President of Operations, this leader will oversee approximately 8-12 locations, providing strategic direction and operational support to General Managers and site leadership teams. This position plays a critical role in driving client satisfaction, employee engagement, financial performance, and operational excellence across a growing region.

The ideal candidate is a visible, hands-on leader who builds trust quickly, develops strong teams, and excels at navigating complex client environments while delivering consistent business results.

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for a multi-site portfolio across the Northeast region.
• Lead, coach, and develop General Managers and site leadership teams to achieve operational and financial goals.
• Build and maintain strong client partnerships through proactive communication, responsiveness, and execution.
• Drive accountability, consistency, and adherence to operational standards across all locations.
• Own regional business performance, including profitability, labor management, productivity, cost controls, and client retention.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and implement sustainable solutions that enhance service delivery.
• Foster a culture of safety, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with support teams to drive talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Support new business growth, transitions, and strategic initiatives as needed.

We're seeking a leader who combines strong business acumen with a people-first leadership style. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, leading through influence, and balancing client expectations with operational execution.

Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Strong employee and client engagement skills.
• The ability to build credibility and trust quickly.
• A visible, hands-on leadership approach.
• Excellent financial and operational management capabilities.
• Experience leading through managers across multiple locations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence navigating demanding client environments and complex operational challenges.

The successful General Manager will:

• Demonstrate leadership that supports Aramark's mission, values, and commitment to service excellence.
• Lead teams through effective communication, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure high standards of customer service and operational execution are consistently maintained.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives that enhance retention, productivity, and workplace culture.
• Promote collaboration across operations, support functions, and client stakeholders.
• Champion compliance with all company policies, food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and ethical business practices.
• Support organizational growth and strategic initiatives through effective change management and execution.

Required Experience & Leadership Background

• Proven regional or multi-site operations leadership experience with accountability for multiple locations and direct ownership of business results.
• Demonstrated full P&L responsibility, including budgeting, financial analysis, labor management, productivity, cost controls, and profitability.
• Experience leading through General Managers and other operational leaders, with a track record of developing high-performing teams and driving accountability across a portfolio.
• Required experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, senior living, acute care, or a comparable healthcare operations environment.
• Demonstrated success leading operations within healthcare, hospitality, food service, contract services, or other service-intensive environments.

Business & Operational Acumen

• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify opportunities, solve operational challenges, and drive sustainable growth.
• Experience interpreting and managing contract requirements while driving operational and financial performance.
• Proven ability to balance operational excellence, client satisfaction, employee engagement, and financial results across multiple locations.

Client & Relationship Management

• Strong client relationship management skills with the ability to establish credibility, navigate complex stakeholder relationships, and drive client satisfaction.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence clients, senior leadership, and cross-functional partners.
• Ability to build trust quickly and effectively navigate diverse operational environments and leadership styles.

Education & Location Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Hospitality, Food Service Management, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Must reside within New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout the region (approximately 60-70%).

Preferred Qualifications

• CCRC/Life Plan Community experience.
• Culinary, dining, hospitality, or food service operations leadership experience.
• Contract services experience with organizations such as Aramark, Compass Group, Morrison Healthcare, Sodexo, Cura, HCSG, or similar.

Physical Demands

• This role may require extended periods of walking, standing, bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling while visiting client locations.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required based on site-specific protocols and safety requirements.