Vice President of Operations, University of Kentucky

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Vice President of Operations, University of Kentucky

A family of companies and experiences

As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!

great people. great services. great results.

Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.

Job Summary

Compass Group is proud to announce a transformative new partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK), launching July 2026. This long term collaboration brings together dining, hospitality, facilities management, and healthcare support services across UK’s campus, healthcare system, and athletics programs creating a unified, innovative service model that enhances the experience for students, faculty, staff, patients, and the broader community. As we build this integrated platform, we are seeking exceptional leaders who are passionate about innovation, service excellence, and shaping the future of campus and healthcare hospitality.

The Vice President of Operations for Compass at UK Hospitality will oversee a large, multi unit dining and hospitality portfolio across the University of Kentucky in Lexington. This executive leader serves as the primary point of contact for UK partners, ensuring operational excellence, strong financial performance, and a cohesive, high performing team culture. The VP will drive strategy, elevate service delivery, and steward a best in class partnership experience.

Key Responsiblities

• Leads, manages, and inspires a diverse team at a large account, with the goal of providing top-notch service to the clients and community
• Drives and develops self and team at the account towards building strong relationships with the client(s) and achievement of key performance indicators (profitability, safety, employee engagement, etc.)
• May serve on district leadership team, and participates in ongoing conversations with peers to share best practices, mitigate risks, champion diversity, and build community
• Ensures decisions are weighed for risk/reward and short/long term implications while gathering input from the team and partners
• Fosters a culture of transparency, understanding, education, safety, and accountability at the account
• Serves as the representative/brand ambassador of Compass within the district and community; attends key client and community events
• Ensures client needs are met or exceeded, we retain the account, find cross-sell opportunities, and assist in rebid process as directed
• Supports functional areas of operation, including but not limited to safety, marketing, nutrition and culinary
• Ensures adherence to local, state, federal and company policies, and conducts unit audits to ensure conformance for key areas (e.g. food storage, sanitation)
• Maintains compliance with regulations and guidance for all applicable meal and retail programs, along with completing all required reporting on time
• Champions development within the account; conducts performance evaluations, along with succession planning for the account; has full understanding of all roles within operation
• Owns the financial results for the account, and works with leadership to ensure accuracy for reporting, forecasting, and budgeting processes
• Ensures consistent and fair administration of all policies and procedures

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and minimum of seven years of management experience, preferably in foodservice, hospitality management
• Well-versed in all aspects offoodservice management with a proven track record of success
• Proven track record of leading a business and a team, strong customer service, and good business and financial acumen
• Demonstrates strong initiative, critical thinking, ownership, communications (listening, written, and verbal), multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills
• Champions the inclusion mindset, and is proactive, positive, professional, and resilient
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and POS software

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.