Title: Regional Director, Events & Hospitality Growth
Winnipeg, MB, CA, R3T 2N1
Job Description
The Regional Director, Events & Hospitality Growth is a key senior leader within our organization, responsible for shaping and driving the long-term catering and events strategy across multiple university campuses in the Western Region. This role will play a pivotal part in leading our catering growth over the next five years, developing new revenue streams, and elevating our brand presence both within and beyond our existing client locations.
This position requires a strategic, entrepreneurial mindset, with an emphasis on expanding external revenue through engagement with industry partners, community organizations, and new market segments outside the internal campus network. The leader will also build strong, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders at each client institution to support long-term partnership success and operational excellence.
Travel within the Western Region is required approximately 30% of the time.
Culinary experiences and well-maintained environments are fundamental to student success.
From brain-powering ingredients to comforting flavor combinations, nutritious food doesn’t have to be boring. Aramark chefs and dietitians are constantly reviewing the latest insights and food trends to find the next culinary innovation and help students discover their love of food.
We partner with you to enhance the student experience, support parents, and collaborate with administration, all while delivering on the expectations of parents and the community.
Job Responsibilities
Strategic & Regional Leadership
• Lead the development and execution of a five-year regional catering growth strategy for the Western Region.
• Set the vision and strategic priorities for catering and events across all university accounts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client expectations.
• Champion innovation in menu development, event design, and service models to enhance competitiveness and guest experience.
• Drive the standardization of regional best practices, processes, pricing, and brand standards across all campuses.
Business Development & External Market Growth
• Expand catering revenue by building partnerships with industry groups, local businesses, associations, event planners, and community organizations.
• Develop and execute strategies to capture external catering business beyond internal campus clients.
• Identify new markets, revenue opportunities, and partnerships that support sustainable growth.
• Represent the organization at regional events, conferences, and community engagements to promote our capabilities and expand market presence.
Client & Stakeholder Partnership
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders within our existing university client organizations.
• Participate in client meetings, planning sessions, and major events as a trusted senior partner.
• Support long-term contract success, renewal readiness, and alignment with evolving client priorities.
• Serve as a strategic escalation point for client concerns, ensuring proactive problem-solving and strong communication.
Operational Excellence
• Ensure consistent, high-quality catering and event execution across all campuses, from small meetings to high-profile galas.
• Conduct regular site visits to assess standards, identify opportunities, and support on-site leaders.
• Drive continuous improvement in food quality, presentation, service delivery, safety, and guest satisfaction.
• Lead regional readiness for large-scale events, high-profile visits, and campus-specific signature programs.
Financial & Performance Management
• Oversee regional financial performance for catering operations, including budget development, forecasting, margin improvement, and cost control.
• Analyze financial results and implement corrective actions to improve flow-through and profitability.
• Support development of competitive pricing strategies that balance client value with business performance.
• Ensure labour optimization, effective scheduling, and operational efficiencies across all sites.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to Catering Managers, Event Leads, and culinary teams across the region.
• Support recruitment efforts and build a strong pipeline of catering talent to support future growth.
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and service excellence.
• Lead and support teams during major events, operational transitions, and business development initiatives.
Qualifications
• 7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in catering, hospitality, events, or multi-unit foodservice operations.
• Proven success driving revenue growth, including external or off-site catering business development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams across multiple locations.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and margin management.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills.
• Experience working within higher education, corporate catering, or large-scale venue environments is an asset.
• Ability to travel 30% of the time within the Western Region.
Success Profile
The ideal candidate:
• Balances strategy with hands-on leadership.
• Excels at building partnerships internally and externally.
• Understands how to drive revenue growth while maintaining operational discipline.
• Influences and inspires teams across multiple locations.
• Thrives in high-volume, fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.
• Embodies professionalism, innovation, and a client-focused mindset.
Education
About Aramark
What We Offer You
Time to Recharge: Three weeks of paid vacation for all new salaried hires, plus 3 personal/flex days dedicated to your mental health and well-being.
Comprehensive Health Benefits (No Waiting Period!): From day one, enjoy coverage for dental, prescriptions, vision, massage therapy, and more—because your health matters.
Future Security: A Self-Directed Pension Plan where every dollar you contribute is matched with two by Aramark—helping you grow your retirement savings faster.
Well-Being Support: Access Aramark’s Employee Assistance Program for confidential resources and support for you and your family whenever you need it.
Inclusive Community: Be part of our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where we celebrate diversity, build connections, and support one another.
Exclusive Perks: Enjoy discounts on everyday products and services to make life more affordable.
Continuous Learning: Benefit from Educational Assistance to support your growth, plus scholarships for your children entering post-secondary studies.
Career Growth: Clear career path planning and development opportunities tailored to your skills and aspirations.
Safe & Supportive Workplace: We are deeply committed to providing a safe, healthy, and positive work environment for all.
At Aramark, we empower our people to create moments that matter through exceptional hospitality experiences. We serve more than a dozen industries with pride and passion, building community, connection, and careers all around the world.
You'll be surrounded by some of the most innovative minds in the industry and powered by our shared mission to pursue what matters. Here, you'll have the opportunity to do great things for our people, our planet, our partners and our communities. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and enable your growth. Supported by committed leadership, you'll be empowered to try new things and find solutions to tough problems. No matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is to help you reach your full potential and pursue what matters.