Job Details

Location: Food Services AdministrationDepartment: Nutri Services - Food ServiceArea:NorthContract Months:12Salary Range: $190,000.00 - $235,000.00Academic Year: 25-26JOB SUMMARYThe Senior Executive Director of School Operations provides executive leadership and fiscal stewardship for all school meal operations and nutrition services functions, including kitchen operations, menu planning and auxiliary support units within the department. This position ensures subordinate directors execute operational, regulatory, capital and fiscal responsibilities in alignment with strategic priorities. The role emphasizes oversight, long-range planning, risk management, and financial sustainability to support safe, efficient, and compliant school operations.MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES1. Provide executive oversight for School Operations and auxiliary support units as designated.2. Establish departmental vision, performance standards, and accountability systems.3. Lead long-range operational strategy, forecasting supply cost for school based needs and equipment planning.4. Oversee budgets, fiscal controls, and responsible resource allocation.5. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to school meal operations and facilities.6. Oversee schools profit and loss to achieve targeted performance outcomes.MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED7. Advise the Deputy Chief and executive leadership on operational risk, infrastructure needs, sustainability planning, and risk mitigation strategies.8. Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.9. Present operational updates, capital plans, and financial reports to executive leadership.10. Other duties as assigned.EDUCATIONA bachelor's degree in Dietetics, Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required. Master's degree preferred.WORK EXPERIENCEMinimum 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in school meal operations, multi-unit food management public sector administration, or large-scale operational environments. Experience supervising senior-level administrators required.SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONStrategic planning and executive leadership expertise.Capital forecasting and long-range infrastructure planning.Budget oversight and fiscal management.Regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.Strong communication and organizational leadership skills.EquipmentOffice equipment (e.g., computer, copier)Power tools (e.g., radial saw, reciprocating saw, drill pneumatic hammer)Hand tools (e.g. hammer, shovel, screwdriver)Vehicles (e.g., automobile, truck, tractor, forklift)LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Providesstrategic direction and develop long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments. Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district wide.WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENTWork is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice, and feedback.BUDGET AUTHORITYParticipates in a group plan and/or budget development.PROBLEM SOLVINGDecisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.IMPACT OF DECISIONSDecisions have a major impact to multiple divisions or organization and may impact the general direction of HISD. Errors may cause continuous adverse influence on the future operations of the organization, in matters involving important customer commitments, organizational liability, and other matters which may appreciably affect future costs.COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONSOversee and direct - serves as one of the organization's senior level spokespersons in area of expertise, defines and champions change initiatives, organizational strategies, services, policies, and practices. Interactions are typically with Top Management, the Board, and community and business leaders.CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPSAnticipates customer needs, identifies, and champions opportunities for the development and implementation of new services and methods to meet or exceed customer needs. Establishes customer service standards and feedback mechanisms across departments.WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONSWork involves some exposure to moderate risk of accident and requires following basic safety precautions.Houston Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.