Vice President of Operations, Catering

Reports To: CEO

Status: Executive Leadership

Location: Charleston, SC 100% Onsite - Not Remote

Position Overview

The Vice President (VP) of Operations is the execution engine of Iacofano's Catering & Events, responsible for translating the CEO's vision into scalable systems, leadership development, and world-class operations. This role oversees all kitchen production, logistics, routing, and operational strategy across multiple markets and shifts. The VP ensures performance excellence through financial stewardship, innovation, and a people-first approach—building a culture of accountability, adaptability, and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Financial Leadership

- Lead day-to-day operations across all kitchens, logistics functions, and delivery timelines.
- Own and manage P&L performance for each location, with a focus on consistently improving Sales, COGS, Labor, Turnover, Sanitation, and Customer Satisfaction.
- Monitor and manage key performance indicators (KPIs), including driver scores, deviation rates, on-time delivery, and quality control across all facilities.
- Reinforce General Manager's to ensure proper shift coverage in their respective facilities with 24/7 operational capability across all sites.

Systems, Standards & Innovation

- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all departments for consistency and efficiency.
- Champion technology upgrades, process innovations, and workflow enhancements to drive operational agility and cost savings.
- Oversee food safety, sanitation, and compliance programs, including HACCP, ServSafe, and internal audits.

Leadership & Talent Development

- Directly lead Area General Managers, Executive Chefs, and Shift Supervisors to uphold standards and drive performance.
- Actively train and mentor an Assistant VP of Operations and Executive Chef, ensuring succession planning and organizational resilience.
- Partner with HR on recruitment, retention, onboarding, and implementation of the Train-the-Trainer leadership model.
- Cultivate a culture of empowerment, excellence, and proactive problem-solving.

Cross-Functional & Strategic Alignment

- Partner with Guest Services leadership to align kitchen execution with order fulfillment, accurate and time-sensitive timelines, and client expectations.
- Collaborate with Accounting, HR, and the CEO on budgeting, forecasting, hiring plans, and overall facility optimization.
- Contribute to strategic planning and new market expansion, helping to identify and prepare for new locations and service offerings.

Requirements

- 10+ years of multi-site operations leadership in catering, hospitality, and/or foodservice.
- Proven success in managing P&Ls, budgets, labor targets, and cost controls.
- Experience building systems and leading cross-functional teams at scale.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, production flow, and last-mile delivery operations.
- Certifications: ServSafe Manager, CPR, HACCP (within 90 days if not current).

Core Competencies

- Strategic Execution & Operational Excellence
- Financial Acumen & KPI Management
- Leadership Development & Succession Planning
- Innovation, Systems Thinking & Process Design
- Sanitation, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Customer-Focused Operations & Brand Integrity
- Crisis Response & 24/7 Operational Resilience

Work Environment & Expectations

- Travel regularly to all Iacofano's locations and operational markets.
- Flexibility for early morning, overnight, weekend, and emergency response availability.
- Hands-on involvement in kitchen, expo, and delivery operations to uphold standards and train frontline leaders.