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Operations Director

Calle 56 - Num 444-A por 33 y 35, Colonia Centro Merida Yucatan

Company Introduction

WorldStrides is the global leader in educational travel and experiential learning. The company was founded in 1967 to provide middle school travel programs to Washington, D.C. and has grown to provide a wide range of programs for more than half a million students annually to over 100 countries around the world. WorldStrides offers experiential learning programs in educational travel, performing arts, language immersion, career exploration, service-learning, study abroad, and sports. Each of these experiences helps students to see beyond the classroom and to see the world – and themselves – in new ways.

Job Description:

WorldStrides is seeking a strategic and dynamic Operations Director to join our Mérida, Mexico office. This Director-level role will operate within Product Delivery (Operations) and will oversee key aspects of the delivery of our global travel programs. The ideal candidate is an experienced leader with a deep understanding of operational efficiencies, logistics, and team management. The Director will also play a critical lead role overseeing the a large part of the centralized Product Delivery team in Merida ensuring there is first class communication, teamwork and productivity.  

The role will manage the day-to-day needs and ultimate output of our Merida International PD team whilst working hand in hand with the functional business PD leadership. This role includes the management and development of direct reports, building best in class operational teams, ensuring onboarding and end to end training need are met, designing workflows in multiple fulfillment platforms and ensuring exceptional execution of our programs.  This senior role will also be our key conduit locally to transmit crucial PD directives whilst being able to report up on all aspects identified above. 

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage multiple distinct local teams within Product Delivery, ensuring maximum efficiency coupled with high-quality execution in each aspect of our educational travel programing.
  • Act as principle and effective heartbeat of our Merida Global PD team.  This role will be the go-to leader for standard and culture setting, as we continue to expand our Merida footprint.
  • Develop strong relationships with all applicable WorldStrides business units and Product Delivery team leads from all our international business functions.  From unit GMs to PD product experts, across multiple sites, you will forge close and effective relationships to ensure all goals and expectations are met and exceeded.
  • Report up and down with clarity, specificity and a regularity that suites the audience.  It is absolutely crucial that we are updated on progress, success and blockers while you also have to skill to translate, communicate and delegate our key department messages to team members.  This hierarchical flow of information and responsibility is key to our success. This will include responsibility for reporting out to business units and other functional areas within the enterprise.  
  • Analyze operational data and performance metrics to inform decision-making and strategy.  By setting out team KPIs and measuring performance you will have complete transparency into our day to day output and progress/performance on our main SLAs.  These will form the basis of yours and yours teams' performance targets.  In turn these will become a bedrock of your weekly reporting.
  • Recruit and mentor own local leadership team to ensure our top team in Merida is as robust as possible.  This may include developing and promoting existing teammates or using external hires.
  • Ensure that all new team members are onboarded consistently and in line with our department needs and that training plans are devised and implemented, in conjunction with those unit PD SMEs
  • Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Product Delivery functions.
  • Oversee budgetary planning and cost control measures for respective area within Product Delivery.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Customer Experience, Marketing, Technology, and Sales, to drive alignment and ensure seamless execution of initiatives.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to elevate the customer experience and optimize processes.
  • Ensure there is education in everything we do across all products while becoming the LEAP lead for all of Product Delivery.
  • Mentor, develop, and manage direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and industry best practices. 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Operations, Hospitality, or a related field required, master’s degree preferred.
  • 7+ years of experience in operations, logistics, or product delivery, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role.
  • Strong background in managing teams and driving operational excellence.
  • Proven experience international buying, procurement/purchasing knowledge and experience.
  • Experience in the travel, hospitality, or educational services industry is highly desirable.
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills with a strategic mindset.
  • Excellent communication and leadership abilities with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
  • Ability to make informed and analytical decisions while under pressure
  • Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
  • Ability to travel as needed to support program execution and business initiatives. 

Work Perks

  • Fun & driven environment.
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage, life, accidental death and dismemberment, accident, critical illness, and disability insurance. 
  • +10% of gross salary as food stamps. 
  • 1 paid volunteer day & 25 PTO* days to start – accrue up to 28 over 3 years, 4 mental health days, and 5 bereavement days.
  • Statutory Holidays by Mexican Federal Labor Law.
  • Tuition reimbursement up to five thousand, two hundred fifty dollars annually or one thousand dollars towards professional certification annually.
  • Flexible work schedule providing on-site and hybrid opportunities.
  • Encouraged participation in our Employee Resource Groups and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion council.
  • Fitness opportunities.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid statutory parental leave.

 

WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, WorldStrides is committed to building a diverse workforce, supported by an environment that promotes inclusion and belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

WorldStrides will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, J-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire. Select seasonal roles may consider students on J-1 or F-1 visas. 

 

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