Overview

Position Title: National Operations Director

Salary: $145,000-$165,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Additional Bonus

Company: Bon Appetit Management Company

Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service, giving our team freedom to be creative, take risks, and shine. We are committed to staff growth, trying new things, and learning all that we can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translate into exciting opportunities for our people.

Job Summary

The National Director of Operations serves as the senior operational leader overseeing all food service programs outside the San Francisco area. This role ensures the efficient and effective management of resources, consistent delivery of services, and strategic alignment across cafés, catering, and MK operations nationwide. Acting as the primary point of escalation for regional client relationships, this leader drives performance, innovation, and financial accountability while fostering a culture of excellence and equity.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent the food program to client stakeholders; serve as the escalation point for regional relationships.
• Lead strategic and tactical operations for all non-SF cafés, catering, and MK programs.
• Standardize SOPs and performance benchmarks to ensure continuity and consistency across markets.
• Mentor and develop regional GMs and Directors; promote equitable leadership pipelines and performance management.
• Collaborate with culinary, wellness, and marketing teams to pilot and scale innovative programming nationally.
• Ensure high-quality, inclusive guest experiences across all non-SF locations.
• Own financial performance for national markets; manage budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis.
• Partner with commissary operations to align production, logistics, and cost efficiency.
• Drive results across key metrics: client retention, financial performance, regulatory compliance, purchasing, culinary standards, HR, and marketing.
• Build strong relationships across all organizational levels; identify client needs and communicate progress.
• Conduct regular site visits and satisfaction surveys; ensure corrective actions are taken when needed.
• Deliver corporate communications and priorities to regional teams and clients.
• Lead regional sales efforts, including site surveys, presentations, negotiations, and contract approvals.
• Ensure thorough audits across financial, food safety, and HR domains.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 12–15 years of upscale food service experience, including 10 years in management and 5–7 years in multi-unit leadership.
• Proven success in personnel management, succession planning, and team development.
• Strong financial acumen; ability to make data-driven business decisions.
• Expertise in HACCP controls, food safety, and operational compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); ServSafe or Health Department certification a plus.
• Exceptional communication, multitasking, and policy interpretation skills.

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Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA. Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story.

Benefits

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

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 for paid time off benefits information.

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. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1468685