Remote Director Culinary Innovation Jobs in Decatur, GA

Sodexo's Activated Solutions Group is currently searching for a Solution Architect to support our Higher Education accounts. This is a remote position.

The successful Solution Architect candidate will lead culinary innovation in higher education accounts.  This role will present innovative high-profile campus dining solutions to our C-Suite Executive campus clients, and will manage innovative business drivers for culinary innovation for our client partners. 

•  As the Solution Designer, you will take full ownership and responsibility over solutioning by leveraging consumer trends, insights and data to craft curated strategies and differentiated solutions that drive campus community engagement, optimize operations, positively impact satisfaction and accomplish client goals. The Solution Designer is solely responsible for providing meal plan and retail strategic direction and assisting accounts in developing actionable roadmaps to elevate and enhance dining programs in support of the campus' strategic goals.  
• Our Solution Design team use a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research techniques to drive business impact with our clients. You will lead the research from design to analysis and translate research findings into actionable business recommendations for the client. You are a strong problem solver and adaptable, with an ability to build trust and partnership at all levels of an organization. You demonstrate the highest levels of ownership and show confidence and clear understanding of your position, your value in the strategic planning process and your recommendations. You are a clear and effective communicator, both written and verbal. You have a proven track record of success in difficult, highly ambiguous situations. 
• You will also be asked to provide meal plan training at the operational level, conduct unit operational assessments and financial analysis in support of predictive analytics, provide guidance and mentorship to field management, support development of analytical management tools for the Segment.

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

• Location is open to anywhere in the United States, ideally near a airport.
• Travel is around 30%.
• Experience in collegiate campus dining operations, business development, or strategic planning 
• 3-5+ years of experience in business intelligence, data analytics, product management, or a related field, preferably in a client-facing role
• Familiarity with performing data analysis, producing quantitative modeling, and interpreting data through a business and economic lens to create commercial recommendations
• Demonstrated experience using quantitative and analytical skills to generate insights that inform business strategy. Mastery of Excel required; familiarity with tools such as PowerBi, Power Apps, Salesforce a plus
• Demonstrated history of higher education contract dining services Master Planning with proven growth in meal plan sales YOY
• Solid understanding of successful management of National Retail Brands, including real estate and retail planning
• Expertise in the ability to synthesize and present large swaths of data to influence Campus Administration to optimize the business.   
• Top notch critical thinking and analytical skills can break down complex problems into discrete digestible pieces and drive effective solutions
• Can learn quickly; understand any challenge and immediately home in on what matters most
• Can adapt quickly to a rapidly changing environment without being phased
• High profile executive presence and demonstrated history of successful C-Suite influence to grow business
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing or mentoring team members
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and collaborate effectively with internal and external teams
• Very high EQ: able to read a room or an audience and adjust approach to be most effective
• Able to build deep levels of trust with senior leaders, external partners, and staff at all levels; not afraid to directly challenge important issues; exceptional listening skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication with a crisp, concise and effective style, leading conversations with data-driven solutions and insights
• High degree of grit. Demonstrated ability to break down difficult barriers both internally and externally
• Ownership over professional development; highly receptive to feedback and eager to get better every day, high level of internal motivation and a strong desire to succeed
• Operates with the highest levels of integrity

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 5 yearsMinimum Functional Experience - 5 years in operations, business development, and planning experience.