Richard Backstrom

• Lead multi-department operations across large-scale, high-volume environments driving operational consistency, safety standards, and workforce engagement across 1200 associates

• Oversee end-to-end workforce planning, performance optimization, and leadership development, managing multiple operational teams simultaneously

• Delivered 12% improvement in employee satisfaction and reduced early attrition by 10% through targeted engagement initiatives during a complex site launch

• Appointed site lead for employee relations training and leadership coaching developing team capability and embedding a culture of accountability

• Provided operational advisory and leadership support to hospitality and foodservice brands, focusing on multi-unit performance improvement, operational systems, and scalable growth strategies.
• Designed standardized SOPs, operating systems, and management frameworks to support scalable, multi-market execution, enhancing operational consistency.
• Led negotiations with partners, vendors, and franchise groups, ensuring long-term alignment and operational integrity, creating an improvement in partnership satisfaction.
• Developed recruitment guidelines for building leadership at client accounts for salary leaders.

• Directed operational implementation of 28+ branded dining concepts within Google’s global workplace dining portfolio across four continents.
• Partnered with Compass regional leaders and client executives to ensure alignment on operating standards, financial performance, and foodservice compliance.
• Developed scalable operational frameworks, training programs, and management tools used across global dining programs.
• Implemented sustainability and waste-reduction initiatives that decreased food waste by 18% in the first month.

• Directed operations, finance, strategic planning, and service execution for a $15M dining portfolio, achieving 15% sales growth by introducing new food concepts and expanding retail programming.
• Led and developed multi-department dining leadership teams while ensuring compliance with food safety, sanitation, and institutional dining standards.
• Advised regional and senior leadership on investment decisions, operational restructuring, and performance improvement strategies, enhancing organizational effectiveness.
• Built cross-functional alignment among culinary, operations, HR, and sustainability teams, leading complex change initiatives including COVID-era reinvention of service models and staffing architecture.

• Directed negotiations for regional development agreements, enhancing market presence and operational effectiveness for 200+ brands in 12 countries.
• Provided strategic advice to global executives for a decade, enhancing operational readiness and aligning decision-making with growth objectives.
• Designed and implemented operating systems that support consistent execution across multiple markets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Executed strategic franchise development for Philippine F&B brand, resulting in the opening of 12 restaurants across UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, enhancing brand presence by 24%.
• Directed all phases of strategic partnership with SSP Group, including launch of food and beverage outlets at Singapore Changi Airport, while overseeing staff training and ongoing compliance audits.

• Managed and supported multi-unit dining operations with P&L oversight up to $65M, driving operational consistency, client satisfaction, and team performance across multiple locations.
• Directed operations for three corporate campuses, managing $65M annual revenue and 180+ employees, advising executive leadership on performance optimization and capital planning.
• Spearheaded the launch of multiple retail concepts, scaling operating systems to ensure multi-market consistency and long-term growth.
• Provided strategic direction to operational teams, including finance, HR, and IT, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

• Launched regional expansion and new account openings across multiple states, providing training, leadership, financial planning, and transition strategies, securing 8 new accounts.
• Conducted detailed evaluations for RFPs, influencing multi-market operational decisions and improving operational consistency.
• Provided strategic direction for regional operations, aligning with organizational goals and presenting to stakeholders to enhance contract award opportunities.