Salary: $70,000-$85,000

Other Forms of Compensation: ANNUAL BONUS INCENTIVE UP TO 20%, Medical, dental & vision insurance, 401K, PTO

Pay Grade: 14

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary

This is a great opportunity for a hands-on Director of Dining Services to lead a K-12 program serving approximately 4,000 students across seven schools. This Monday–Friday role (8:00 AM–4:00 PM) focuses on strong daily execution of meal service, with the chance to grow a catering program. You’ll partner with an engaged client and use the summer months for planning, innovation, and setting your team up for success. The onsite team includes a Director and Administrative Assistant, with interim support helping to strengthen operations. You’ll lead up to 40 frontline associates, owning day-to-day staff management, menu planning, and client relationships.

We’re looking for a confident, self-driven leader with K-12 experience preferred, or a background in institutional dining (colleges, corrections, healthcare) or high-volume food service. Strong communication, a balanced leadership style, and the ability to work independently are critical. This person should be a proactive problem-solver who can manage P&L, execute programs, and build a positive team culture. Candidates should be adaptable, growth-focused, and comfortable using Compass tools. Spanish-speaking is a strong plus.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of 35 frontline associates.
Drive strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and increase profitability.
Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization.
Own the annual budget and control costs optimally.
Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
Build strong relationships with clients, customers, and associates.
Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition/Management/Hospitality/Culinary preferred or equivalent experience.
K12 food service management experience
Five plus years of foodservice management experience.
Strong knowledge of high-volume food production and (catering trends) is preferred.
Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
Proficiency in computer skills.
Bilingual - English & Spanish preferred.

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

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Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.

Medical
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance/ AD
Disability Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
Associate Shopping Program
Health and Wellness Programs
Discount Marketplace
Identity Theft Protection
Pet Insurance
Commuter Benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Paid Parental Leave
Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Req ID: 1545186

Chartwells K12

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES - Jerome Joint School District, ID

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