Senior Vice President of Operations

Senior Vice President Of Operations

ExplorUS is a family-owned company with nearly 30 years of experience operating National, State, and local park concessions. We specialize in elevating and transforming underperforming park operations – enhancing financial performance while improving the visitor experience and strengthening partnerships with park agencies.

We're seeking a Senior Vice President of Operations to provide executive leadership and strategic direction for assigned areas of responsibility ensuring operational excellence, a strong and engaged workforce, and a consistently exceptional guest experience. As a key member of the executive team, this leader will drive alignment, innovation, and scalable, long-term growth across the organization.

At ExplorUS, we believe park concessions are more than a business – they are a responsibility. We are stewards of the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the parks entrusted to us and are committed to providing a level of hospitality that honors and enhances those places for generations to come.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's long-term operational strategy in alignment with business goals.
• Lead organizational planning, ensuring operational capabilities support growth, profitability and sustainability.
• Partner with executive leadership to drive enterprise-wide initiatives and business transformation.
• Identify new markets, services, or operational opportunities to strengthen competitive position.

• Oversee daily operations across assigned portfolios, ensuring efficiency, service quality, and adherence to performance targets.
• Build and implement scalable systems, processes, and operating models to improve productivity and reduce cost.
• Set performance standards and metrics for operational teams and hold leaders accountable for results.
• Champion continuous improvement methodologies.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, forecasts, and capital planning.
• Lead cost-optimization efforts without compromising service quality or employee experience.

• Lead, mentor, and develop multi-level operational leadership teams.
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation and engagement.
• Partner with HR on workforce planning, succession and talent strategy.
• Ensure safe, consistent and value-aligned working environments.

• Ensure exceptional guest experiences across all operational channels.
• Leverage technology and data analytics to drive innovation and service improvements.
• Manage relationships with clients, vendors and other key external stakeholders.
• Represent operations strategy to board members and community partners as requested

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive executive operations leadership experience, including 7+ years in senior executive roles overseeing complex, multi-location or multi-unit operations.
• Demonstrated success in hospitality or service-driven industries, with a proven ability to elevate guest experience while driving financial performance.
• Strong track record of developing and executing enterprise operational strategies that support growth, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience leading budgets, forecasts, capital planning, and cost-optimization initiatives.
• Excellence in organizational management with the ability to motivate, manage, and develop high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate and influence as a senior executive team member.
• Reputation for leading with integrity, energy, and purpose, with a deep commitment to employee well-being, guest satisfaction, and stewardship of natural, historic, and cultural resources.
• Willingness and ability to travel 30-50% within assigned geographic region and to future acquisition locations.
• Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or related field required.