Operations Manager- PA/NJ/Southern NY Collegeville, PA, USA Requisition Number 14731 Location Southeast Youth Development Center Job Description Operations Manager – Drive Excellence in Healthcare and Residential Dining Services Support + Strategy + Impact Are you a seasoned food service professional who thrives on supporting teams, ensuring compliance, and driving operational excellence? Join Whitsons as an Operations Manager and help elevate healthcare dining programs across our facilities—nourishing patients, visitors, and staff with meals that heal and comfort. What You’ll Do: + Provide operational support to Food Service Directors and District Managers across multiple healthcare facilities. + Step in as acting Director when needed to ensure seamless daily operations. + Monitor and support compliance with all DOH, Joint Commission, CMS, and local health regulations. + Assist in budget development, financial forecasting, and variance analysis. + Oversee staff training, scheduling, and performance management to ensure service excellence. + Support new account openings and serve as a key player in onboarding processes. + Conduct regular site visits (80% travel) to assess quality, safety, compliance, patient satisfaction, and team support needs. + Collaborate with clinical and wellness teams, participate in facility leadership meetings, and represent Whitsons at client and community events. We’re Looking For: + Bachelor’s degree in Food Service Management, Nutrition, Hospitality, or a related field (or equivalent experience). + 7–10 years of progressive food service management experience, with 5+ years in healthcare or senior living dining services strongly preferred. + Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire teams and build strong client relationships. + Deep knowledge of healthcare dietary guidelines, regulatory compliance, and food safety practices. + ServSafe certification required; CDM (Certified Dietary Manager) highly preferred. + Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to quickly learn new systems and tools. + Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. + Must be willing to travel frequently to Whitsons’ operating sites. Why Join Us? + Competitive salary + performance bonus potential + Work that makes a difference in the health and comfort of patients + Health, dental, and vision insurance + Paid holidays and PTO + 401K with company match + Professional growth opportunities and supportive leadership About Us: At Whitsons Culinary Group, we believe food is a vital part of healing, wellness, and quality of life. As an Operations Manager, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting our mission to deliver nutritious, high-quality meals in healthcare settings while ensuring compassionate service and operational excellence. Be a champion for patient care—and a catalyst for positive change. Apply today and bring your leadership to the next level with Whitsons – Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™. Requirements REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES: Education : + Bachelor's degree or equivalent with concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business or a related field. OR + Bachelor's degree or equivalent with any academic major AND a state recognized certificate in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, or business. At least one year of management experience, preferably in school nutrition strongly recommended. OR + Master's degree or willingness to work toward master's degree preferred.   Certifications : + ServSafe Mandatory-- Local food safety certification if required in jurisdiction of employment. Must be knowledgeable of all local ordinances. + School Nutrition Specialist Certification preferred.   Computer Skills : + Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications is required . + Must be able to communicate electronically through use of email and other similar computer platforms. + Able to learn new programs easily and quickly.   Competencies : + Communication + Effectively write, present and transfer ideas and information. + Customer Focus + Act in the best interest of the customer, both internal and external + Innovation + Create new ideas , processes or products which, when implemented, lead to positive, effective change. + Organizational Leadership + Apply strategic thinking, prioritization and decision-making to drive results. + People Leadership + Effectively assess , select , develop and empower individuals and teams.   Other Qualifications, Experience : + 10 years' experience in Food Service Management required , + Minimum 7 year s ’ experience in high volume urban K-12 programs required . Strong interest in school nutrition program development . + Culinary background is required - Must have a passion and an interest in food + Working knowledge of cooking procedures and recipe adherence and scaling. + Must possess excellent time management and organizational skills + Bilingual Spanish is highly desirable.   As an exempt position, it is expected that Team Member will devote whatever time necessary to accomplish the goals and responsibilities. This will often require extended work hours, evening and/or weekend work Work Schedule Monday thru Friday- as needed Supervisor Erik Burns Salary Target 80-90