Vice President, Refreshment Strategy and Operations Greater Syracuse, NY Area

Pay: $190000 per year - $230000 per year

Summary: The Vice President of Refreshment Strategy and Operations leads the execution of strategic initiatives and operating improvements across the Refreshment Services division. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, this executive provides accountable leadership for service operations, equipment strategy, fleet and facilities oversight, technology adoption, innovation, and acquisition integration.

The role expands the division’s executive capacity as the business grows and becomes more complex. It works closely with Regional Vice Presidents, General Managers, and functional leaders to improve performance and implement consistent operating practices. The position is a potential succession path to the Executive Vice President of Refreshment Services role.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Execution and Operational Excellence

Translate division strategy into annual priorities and executable projects with clear owners, milestones, and performance measures.

Lead cross-functional initiatives with Operations, Sales, Accounting, IT, Marketing, Facilities, and Service; resolve barriers and hold teams accountable for results.

Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual operating reviews supported by division dashboards, scorecards, and consistent reporting.

Apply systems design, process engineering, continuous improvement, and high reliability organization principles to improve quality, safety, and operating consistency.

Service and Technical Operations

Direct service and technical operations, including installation, repair, refurbishment, preventive maintenance, dispatch, equipment relocation and deployment, warranty administration, and parts inventory.

Improve technician productivity, response times, first-time fix rates, equipment uptime, service quality, and labor efficiency while reducing repeat calls and improving parts utilization.

Equipment Strategy and Asset Management

Develop equipment modernization and replacement plans, lifecycle programs, and standards for appearance, reliability, and age across vending and refreshment assets.

Oversee equipment placement, asset management systems, refurbishment, and parts sourcing; support procurement decisions and partner with the Fleet Manager on vehicle planning and optimization.

Technology and Systems Leadership

Serve as the division’s principal operational liaison to IT and define business requirements for technology investments.

Lead technology evaluation, vendor relationships, implementation, user adoption, change management, reporting, and systems optimization.

Oversee operational use of Streamware / Crane, Cantaloupe, Lightspeed, 365 Retail Markets, ZippyAssist, Slack, analytics platforms, and future refreshment technologies.

Innovation and Growth Initiatives

Dedicate approximately 20% of the role’s focus to innovation and growth initiatives.

Evaluate emerging retail formats, equipment innovations, smart retail technologies, automation, cashless systems, and new refreshment concepts.

Assess adjacent business verticals, new revenue streams, and strategic partnerships; lead pilots and evaluate their economics, operating requirements, and scalability.

Develop an innovation roadmap and coordinate adoption of concepts that demonstrate business value.

Commercial Support and Client Experience

Serve as the operating partner to the Refreshment sales organization, reviewing large and complex opportunities for operational feasibility, financial performance, pricing, and program economics.

Oversee proofs of concept, account setup standards, and post-sale performance evaluation to support reliable execution and client satisfaction.

Participate in the review and approval of opportunities exceeding approximately $300,000 in annual value and other strategically significant opportunities.

Develop subcontractor and multi-site service support strategies that support growth and consistent client service.

Fleet Facilities and Real Estate Oversight

Provide executive oversight of fleet planning and optimization in partnership with the Fleet Manager.

Oversee the facilities management function, owned and leased properties, preventive maintenance programs, capital projects, and facility improvements.

Guide branch and warehouse projects, real estate records management, and facility planning in support of division operating needs.

Facilities oversight is a supporting responsibility within the position’s broader strategic and operational scope.

Acquisition Support and Integration

Lead valuation analysis, financial and operational diligence, integration planning, and post-close integration for assigned acquisitions.

Manage acquisition projects, coordinate integration across functions, track synergies, and standardize acquired operations.

Support target sourcing, initial outreach, and legal diligence in coordination with the EVP and appropriate internal and external resources.

Leadership and Collaboration

Set priorities and performance expectations for direct reports and assigned project teams; coach leaders and establish accountability for delivery.

Partner with Regional Vice Presidents and General Managers to implement division initiatives and resolve operating issues.

Maintain productive relationships with equipment vendors, technology partners, industry organizations, and other strategic partners.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required.

Minimum 10 years of progressive and applicable leadership experience in operations, refreshment services, foodservice, retail, distribution or a comparable multi-location service business.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects, improve operating performance, and implement consistent processes across multiple locations.

Strong understanding of technical service operations, equipment lifecycle management, fleet planning, and facilities oversight.

Financial and analytical skills sufficient to evaluate program economics, operating margins, capital investments, acquisitions, and integration results.

Ability to evaluate and implement operational technology, lead change, and improve adoption of business systems.

Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft applications, with the ability to turn operational data into clear decisions and executive reporting.

Effective leadership, communication, vendor management, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to influence across functions.

About Us

Together, American Food & Vending and American Dining Creations form one of the nation’s largest privately held dining and refreshment service organizations. Family-owned and headquartered in Syracuse, NY, we have served clients nationwide for more than 80 years, delivering customized dining and refreshment solutions across business, education, healthcare and cultural environments.

Recognized by NAMA and our peers as Operator of the Year, we combine national capabilities with a personal, responsive approach to create exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.

Our Mission

To create moments of happiness through customized hospitality experiences that delight guests and bring people together.

Our Vision

To be the best in the industry at elevating hospitality experiences for places where people want to be.

Our Values: F.I.R.S.T.

Family – Treat people as family.

Integrity – Do the right thing.

Responsiveness – Listen first. Then act with urgency.

Service Excellence – Deliver exceptional experiences every day.

Teamwork – Win together.