Dominic Workforce Solutions

Resident District Manager – Greater Portland / Salem, OR

About the role

As the Resident District Manager, you will be the strategic and operational leader for a large, multi-site K–12 school district account in the Greater Portland / Salem, OR area, supporting over 40,000 students across 60+ locations. You will serve as the primary point of contact for district leadership, overseeing all aspects of food service operations while ensuring exceptional quality, safety, and compliance. In this highly visible, community-focused role, you will drive financial performance, lead and develop diverse on-site and remote teams, and foster strong partnerships with school administrators and community stakeholders. You will balance day-to-day execution with long-term strategic planning, using data, insights, and collaboration to enhance student dining experiences, support district goals, and deliver consistent, high-impact results across every location.

What you'll be doing

• Oversee end-to-end food service operations for a large K–12 school district, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery across 60+ locations serving over 40,000 students.
• Lead, develop, and mentor on-site and remote management teams, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Drive financial performance by managing budgets, monitoring key performance indicators, forecasting needs, and implementing strategies to optimize labor, food costs, and operational efficiencies.
• Build and sustain strong, trust-based relationships with district leadership, school administrators, and community stakeholders, serving as the primary point of contact for all account-related matters.
• Ensure all locations meet or exceed standards for food quality, safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance, implementing corrective actions and training where needed.
• Partner closely with corporate resources to align district operations with organizational initiatives, systems, and best practices, acting as the key liaison between the field and the home office.
• Lead strategic planning efforts to enhance student participation, community engagement, and program visibility, including the rollout of new initiatives and service enhancements.
• Anticipate and resolve operational challenges in a fast-paced, multi-site environment, using data, feedback, and collaboration to drive timely and effective solutions.

What we're looking for

• Strategic, big-picture thinker who can translate district-wide goals into clear operational plans across 60+ locations.
• Collaborative, people-first leader who builds trust with school district partners, community stakeholders, and diverse on-site teams.
• Proven track record of driving results in complex, fast-paced environments while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and compliance.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets, forecast needs, analyze performance data, and optimize resources.
• Exceptional communicator and relationship builder, comfortable serving as the primary client contact and liaison between corporate and site-level teams.
• Hands-on operator with deep knowledge of K–12 food service, culinary production, and sanitation best practices.
• Resilient, adaptable problem-solver who remains calm under pressure and leads teams through change with clarity and confidence.

What you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least 5 years of management experience leading multi-site or large-scale operations
• Minimum 5 years of functional experience in food service, operations, or a closely related area
• Prior experience in K–12 food service (required)
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams, driving engagement, and developing talent
• Hands-on culinary production experience with strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, analyze financial reports, and optimize operational performance
• Strong communication and client-facing skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with district leadership and community stakeholders
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, complex environment while managing multiple priorities and locations
• Proficiency with operational systems and reporting tools (FMS/TMC experience a plus but not required for external candidates)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between district sites as needed

What we offer

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs to support your overall health
• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off and company holidays so you can rest, recharge, and take care of what matters most
• Career growth opportunities with clear pathways for advancement in leadership and operations
• Tuition reimbursement to support your continued education, professional development, and industry certifications
• Relocation assistance to help you transition smoothly to the Portland/Salem area

This role is being managed by Dominic Workforce Solutions as an independent recruiting partner. Candidate information will be reviewed by our team and shared with our client strictly for hiring consideration. Full client details are provided once mutual interest is established.