Regional Manager- Foodservice (Western Division)

Description

Southern Foodservice Management is seeking an experienced Regional Manager to oversee operations across our Western Division. This position is responsible for the operational and financial performance of multiple foodservice accounts, with a strong focus on client satisfaction, team development, and overall profitability.

The ideal candidate will have a proven background in multi-unit contract foodservice management, strong financial and operational leadership skills, and the ability to build lasting client relationships. This individual must be a hands-on leader who can support account managers, maintain high operational standards, and identify opportunities for continued growth throughout the region.

Company Information

Southern Foodservice Management is a national contract food service management company that has been in business since 1951. The company provides professional food management services to clients in corporate dining, schools, colleges, healthcare and recreation. Southern’s corporate office is in Birmingham, Alabama. Our mission statement is based on five powerful words: Passion, Integrity, Graciousness, Innovation, and Excellence. Our focus on these five powerful words allows us to provide great food and service.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management:

• Provide direct oversight and support to on-site Food Service Directors/Managers across the region
• Ensure adherence to company standards, policies, and procedures related to food quality, safety, sanitation, and service
• Monitor operational performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement effective solutions
• Conduct regular site visits to assess operations, build relationships, and provide coaching and guidance to on-site teams
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and client contractual obligations
• Oversee the implementation of new programs and initiatives within the region

Financial Performance:

• Manage the financial performance of each location within the region, including budget development, monitoring, and variance analysis
• Work with on-site teams to achieve financial targets related to revenue, cost control, and profitability
• Analyze financial reports and develop action plans to address any financial challenges
• Participate in the development of regional and company-wide financial goals

Client Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with key client stakeholders within the region
• Serve as a point of escalation for client concerns and ensure timely and effective resolution
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance client satisfaction and strengthen partnerships
• Participate in client meetings and presentations as needed

Team Leadership and Development:

• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop Food Service Directors/Managers within the region
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork, engagement, and accountability
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to direct reports
• Identify and support the professional growth and development of team members

Business Development and Growth:

• Collaborate with the business development team to identify and pursue opportunities for growth within the region
• Participate in the development of proposals and presentations for potential new clients
• Support the retention of existing clients through exceptional service and relationship management

Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare and present regular reports on regional performance, key initiatives, and challenges to senior leadership
• Maintain effective communication channels with on-site teams, corporate departments, and clients
• Ensure timely and accurate information flow throughout the region

Attributes We Are Looking For:

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to see the big picture and develop long-term plans
• Results-Oriented: Driven to achieve and exceed goals
• Strong Communicator: Able to clearly and effectively convey information at all levels
• Excellent Leader: Ability to motivate, inspire, and develop teams
• Client-Focused: Dedicated to understanding and meeting client needs
• Problem Solver: Resourceful and adept at finding solutions to challenges
• Adaptable: Able to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Integrity: Demonstrates honesty, ethics, and strong moral principles

Qualifications and Skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or a related field. Or ten (10) years of experience in the foodservice industry related to a multi-unit supervision position
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive management experience in the food service contract industry, with multi-site responsibility
• Proven track record of successfully managing operations, achieving financial targets, and building strong client relationships
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent financial acumen and budgeting experience
• Thorough understanding of food safety regulations and best practices
• Ability to travel extensively within the assigned region
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with POS systems, Production (such as Parsley)
• Participation in industry-related professional organizations

Skills:

• Strategic Thinking
• Leadership and Team Management
• Contract Management
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Financial Acumen
• Analytical Skills
• Problem-Solving
• Communication (Written and Verbal)
• Interpersonal Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Project Management
• Technical Proficiency
• Ethical Conduct

Benefits: We offer a competitive salary, paid holidays, vacation, health benefits, and 401k as well as an annual bonus program.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Strength: Lift up to 50lbs
• Posture: Standing 50%, Walking 50%
• Movement of objects: Occasionally
• Heavy lifting, Heavy Carrying, Pushing, Pulling: Occasionally
• Climbing or Balancing: Occasionally
• Stooping: Occasionally
• Reaching: Occasionally
• Handling: Occasionally
• Talking/Hearing: Frequent
• Seeing: Frequent
• Temperature Variation: Occasionally
• Typing: Frequent
• Reading: Frequent

Travel Requirements

• This position requires traveling, on an average of 70 % + of a year or 250 working days