Regional Director of Operations

Job Description

Regional Director of Operations

New York | New Jersey | Pennsylvania

Lead Operations. Develop Teams. Strengthen Client Partnerships.

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.

What You'll Do

• 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.

What We're Looking For

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.

Job Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

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.

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .