Area Director - Zeeland, MI, US

Join Creative Dining Services as an Area Director overseeing Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio · Creative Dining Services is growing and seeking candidates for a multi-site Area Director (District Manager) to support our operations across multiple states, to proactively bring forward i ...

Job description

Join Creative Dining Services as an Area Director overseeing Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio

Creative Dining Services is growing and seeking candidates for a multi-site Area Director (District Manager) to support our operations across multiple states, to proactively bring forward innovative solutions and inspire teams to deliver positively memorable hospitality experiences As the Area Director, you are responsible for $15 to $20 million of managed volume and will lead a team of six to ten General Managers and Food Service Directors across multiple states to generate innovative solutions with maximum sales and controllable profits in alignment with our corporate mission, vision, values, and quality standards. This position reports directly to the SVP or AVP of Operations and will assist in all phases of planning, budgeting, reporting, and analysis. This position will be based in Michigan, Indiana, or Ohio.

What You'll Do

• See the big picture, proactively bring forward innovative solutions, effectively communicate a plan, and inspire teams to deliver.
• Demonstrate leadership with a focus on mentoring, development, and succession planning.
• Understand how to monitor financial performance and teach leaders how to maximize sales and profitability while maintaining service and quality standards.
• Build trust and credibility virtually and effectively utilize technology to manage teams and client relationships remotely.
• Utilize proven client relationship management and superior customer relations skills.
• Be organized, detail-oriented, and a problem solver with critical thinking skills.
• Quickly adopt and regularly utilize a variety of technology platforms from people management to CRM and financial management.

What You Bring

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or related field required. Will consider equivalent education/experience. Advanced degree preferred.
• Previous multi-unit contract food services experience with colleges and universities required 
• 10+ years of related experience, with 7-10+ years of leadership experience, and at least 3 years overseeing a district with multiple sites and clients
• Exceptional leadership, communication, team-building, and operations skills
• Strong business and financial acumen with experience in developing and managing budgets
• Ability to lead in fast-paced, complex environments with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Adaptable to ambiguity and change, with proactive, critical-thinking, solution-oriented mindset
• Strong active listening, written/verbal communication, and presentation skills
• Valid, unrestricted driver's license
• ServSafe certification and formal allergen training preferred

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs and stand, walk, or move throughout the day
• Use of standard office and kitchen equipment. 
• Must be able to travel frequently up to 80% (4 days per week on average, some overnights) by car, train and/or air.

Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

We Offer

• Competitive pay and performance incentives
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with a company match of up to $1,500 for qualifying plans
• Free mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) with a company match
• Tuition reimbursement and discounts

Why Creative Dining Services

"Companies always tell you a lot of things about who they are and what they are about, and most are not able to meet those expectations. My experience with Creative Dining since day one has been extremely positive and the truth in advertising is spot on. The support has been wonderful, and I am excited to learn and grow with the company." Jamie M., General Manager (Joined May 2021)

Our team members are like family – to us and to our clients. We get to know people by name and personal preferences to provide a welcoming home away from home for our guests and for each other.

Our Core Values

• Integrity
• Flexibility
• Family
• Creativity
• Sensitivity
• Sustainability
• Diversity

Creative Dining Services operates over 80 locations in 16 states, serving colleges, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers, hotels, camps, and K-12 schools to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services experience – one that's fun, innovative, and focused on community. Why? Because that's how it should be.

Creative Dining Services is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees 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.