Waveguide LLC, part of Compass Group, is hiring a Regional Director of Operations to lead a high-visibility, single-client portfolio generating approximately $50M in annual revenue for Wolfgang Puck Catering. This multifaceted role blends corporate dining, arenas, large-scale catering, events, retail, and grab-and-go programs within one sophisticated client ecosystem. The leader sets strategy, uses analytics to drive performance, and builds strong client partnerships.
What You'll Do
- Lead the full portfolio of accounts within a single client ecosystem, aligning operations with KPIs and strategic goals.
- Set a clear, shared direction for unit leaders and ensure priorities are transparent and actionable.
- Develop and implement region-wide policies, procedures, and best practices to maximize performance and revenue.
- Use high-level analytics and data modeling to identify trends, tell performance stories, and guide business decisions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships across a large, complex client environment to ensure alignment and satisfaction.
- Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals and participating in the sales process.
- Shape innovative culinary, service, retail, and event offerings that enhance the guest experience.
- Review financial reports across all units to ensure compliance with budget targets, P&L goals, and regional objectives.
- Identify operational opportunities and lead performance-improvement initiatives.
- Maintain accountability for profitability, labor efficiency, cost controls, and long-term financial health.
- Develop, motivate, and inspire a team of managers and leaders across multiple business lines and locations.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and support ongoing growth, coaching, and succession planning.
- Foster a workplace culture centered on collaboration, respect, innovation, and service excellence.
- Resolve escalated customer, guest, or employee concerns, partnering with HR and Legal when needed.
- Champion elevated hospitality across corporate dining, events, retail, and specialty service environments.
- Support the rollout of guest experience programs that align with client expectations and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure all reporting is completed accurately and on schedule in alignment with corporate standards.
What We're Looking For
- Background in multi-unit foodservice, hospitality, or catering leadership.
- Proven success overseeing large-scale operations, ideally with combined managed volume of $50M+.
- Demonstrated ability to lead manager-level teams (six or more leaders across diverse business lines).
- Strength in navigating fast-paced, unstructured environments with a strong P&L focus.
- Skilled at using data to diagnose performance, influence stakeholders, and guide strategy.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage at all levels, from front-line teams to executive client partners.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Commitment to building inclusive, high-performing teams.
- Flexible and comfortable working variable hours based on events and business needs.
- Must be based in Los Angeles.
Nice to Have
- Experience with high-end or event-driven operations is especially valuable.
- Experience with significantly larger portfolios strongly preferred.
Team & Environment
You'll lead a team of six or more leaders across diverse business lines. This includes managers and leaders across multiple business lines and locations, all within a culture defined by Wolfgang Puck's PASSION for business, product, and people; a FLEXIBLE MINDSET; a CONCIERGE mentality; and an out-of-the-box PROBLEM SOLVING approach.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation range: $135,000 - $145,000
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Life Insurance/AD and Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave, and Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Work Mode
This role is onsite and requires you to be based in Los Angeles. It involves variable hours based on events and business needs.
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.
