Kathy Murray
Aubrey,TX
Summary
Senior Operations Executive with 15+ years in K-12 contract food service leading multi-state operations focusing on p&l performance, building strong client relationships and developing next level leaders. Proven success engaging with executive leadership improving operational efficiency, increasing profitability, strengthening retention, and leading growth initiatives. Strong collaborator with culinary to keep menus on trend and student centered.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Director Strategic Partnerships
Elior School Dining
07.2025 - Current
- Developed an elevated dining program to increase participation, improve retention and broaden future sales opportunities, participation increases from 12%to 52%
- Collaborate with current clients to strategize goals that impact our value to their work, implemented pin-pointed participation goals,
- Partner with operations leadership to plan budgets that challenge operations and optimize capabilities
- Led cross-functional teams in implementing nutritional programs aligned with modern health standards and student preferences, reduced ultra-processed foods and implemented more fresh products
- Analyze market trends and competitor activity to provide modern dining solutions to students, added a monthly "viral" recipe to keep students interested in meals
- Regular engagement with clients to ensure transparency in programs and communication, trained team on how to take great photos, designed custom communication plan for largest client and celebrated engagement
- Define opportunities for growth within regions served, led decisions of where to invest resources to increase market share
Sr. Director Business Development
K-12 by Elior
10.2024 - Current
- Generated new sales opportunities within designated territory for K-12 education sector, sold contracts in 4 states
- Represented company at national, regional, and state conferences to enhance visibility
- Assisted Retention Director with large contract renewals to secure ongoing partnerships
- Expanded charter school business through targeted sales outreach to leading CMO/EMO groups
- Cultivated relationships with clients and community to drive sustainable business growth
- Presented comprehensive market insights to executives, driving informed strategy development and investment decisions.
- Delivered compelling sales presentations, effectively communicating the value proposition of the Elior's offerings.
Vice President of Operations
K-12 by Elior
06.2019 - 10.2024
- Oversaw 60 K-12 contracts across 13 states, managing a portfolio valued at $115M
- Led a team of eight direct reports to enhance operational performance
- Managed day-to-day operations for all USDA-funded school meal programs
- Collaborated with business development team to drive strategic growth initiatives
- Partnered with Retention Director to achieve a 98% yearly retention rate
- Assisted culinary team in developing innovative, student-centered meal concepts
- Supported Executive Team in reviewing and prioritizing key strategic initiatives
- Proudly mentored 4 team members for internal promotion
Vice President of Operations
Revolution Foods
01.2012 - 06.2019
- Managed production and client relationships for over 85 contracts, achieving 98% fulfillment rate and 96% retention rate
- Served as brand ambassador, fostering trust and relationships across all leadership levels
- Engaged partners with strategies that increased participation by two to fourteen percent annually at major networks
- Developed and implemented partner relationship strategy, resulting in four percent growth in market renewals nationwide
General Manager
Founding Farmers
01.2010 - 01.2012
Education
B.A. - Political Science & History
University of South Florida
Tampa, FLSkills
- Regional Operations Management
- Performance Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Revenue Forecasting
- Brand Development
- Retention
- Strategize short term / long term Growth
- Innovation Management
- Financial Acumen
- Process Improvement
- Cross functional collaboration
Certification
ServSafe certified
Timeline
Sr. Director Strategic Partnerships
Elior School Dining
07.2025 - Current
Sr. Director Business Development
K-12 by Elior
10.2024 - Current
Vice President of Operations
K-12 by Elior
06.2019 - 10.2024
Vice President of Operations
Revolution Foods
01.2012 - 06.2019
General Manager
Founding Farmers
01.2010 - 01.2012
B.A. - Political Science & History
University of South Florida
WEBSITES, PORTFOLIOS, PROFILES
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-murray-08802923/