Regional Director of Operations

Wolfgang Puck Catering

Salary: $135,000 - $145,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Plan

Pay Grade: 17

Wolfgang Puck Catering is committed to recruiting individuals who express an interest in and passion for hospitality-driven experiences; who come from diverse backgrounds, are open-minded and curious about our clients and guests; and, most of all, who possess a welcoming smile and spirit. Our ultimate goal is to develop mentoring and career building opportunities through a talent pipeline that allows us to promote from within.

"The most important thing in life, whatever you do, has to be passion." Wolfgang Puck

Success on our team starts with our culture:

• We have Wolfgang's PASSION for our business, our product, and our people / guests / clients.
• A FLEXIBLE MINDSET is key; we are strategic business partners who wear multiple hats.
• Our services require a CONCIERGE mentality, a bias to action with humble hospitality.
• We are out-of-the-box PROBLEM SOLVERS, who look around corners so our clients and guests don't have to.
• We curate company and partner resources to bring our client's vision to life. We seek to cultivate the next generation of talent, purveyors and partnerships.
• We bring an entrepreneurial approach to deliver results for our clients (you might call this scrappy).
• Collaboration and openness to innovative business tools, new ways of thinking and ability to partner across departments are essential to create optimal business solutions.

"I can have the best food, but if we don't have good people, it won't get you very far."

Job Summary

Wolfgang Puck Catering is seeking a collaborative and data‑driven Regional Operations Director to lead a high‑visibility, single‑client portfolio generating approximately $50M in annual revenue. This is a uniquely multifaceted environment that blends corporate dining, arenas, large‑scale catering, events, retail, and grab‑and‑go programs, all within one sophisticated client ecosystem.

This leader sets strategy from above, brings clarity through analytics, and drives performance through thoughtful storytelling and strong client partnership. The role requires comfort with fluid schedules (including nights, weekends, and event‑driven hours) and a passion for excellence across both guest experience and operational discipline.

This position must be based in Los Angeles and will own the overall business

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full portfolio of accounts within this single client ecosystem, aligning operations with key performance indicators and long‑term strategic goals.
• Set a clear, shared direction for unit leaders; ensure priorities and expectations are transparent and actionable.
• Develop and implement region‑wide policies, procedures, and best practices that maximize performance and revenue.
• Use high‑level analytics and data modeling to identify trends, tell compelling performance stories, and guide business decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across a large, complex client environment to ensure alignment, satisfaction, and retention.
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals and participating in the sales process for new opportunities.
• Shape innovative culinary, service, retail, and event offerings that respond to client needs and 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, experience with high‑end or event‑driven operations is especially valuable.
• Proven success overseeing large‑scale operations, ideally with combined managed volume of $50M+ (experience with significantly larger portfolios strongly preferred).
• Experience with Contract Food Service, including free food programs.
• 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.

Apply to Wolfgang Puck today!

Wolfgang Puck Catering is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

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. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Wolfgang Puck Catering are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• 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)

Wolfgang Puck Catering maintains a drugfree workplace.

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 or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_WPC.pdf

Req ID: 1537604

Wolfgang Puck Catering

Michael Abbey

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