Compass Group
DIRECTOR DINING SERVICES - K12 Potential New Business - Jackson, MI area
Compass Group, Jackson, Michigan, United States, 49201
Director Of Dining Services
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. We're preparing to launch a new partnership with a K12 school district in the Jackson, Michigan area, and we're seeking a Director of Dining Services who's ready to hit the ground running. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in both kitchen operations and community engagement. The successful candidate will be personable, highly organized, and motivated to make an immediate impactbringing strong experience in managing food service programs and leading teams with confidence and care. You'll oversee food operations across multiple schools, guiding a team of food service professionals while serving as the face of the dining program. From menu development and scratch cooking, this role offers the opportunity to elevate school dining through innovation, creativity, and connection. If you're passionate about nutrition, student engagement, and transforming school meals into a culinary experiencethis is your chance to lead with purpose and pride. Key Responsibilities: Lead, mentor, and encourage our team of dedicated frontline associates (some union). Drive critical initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability. Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization. Lead the annual budget and coordinates costs effectively. Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and sanitation standards. Build positive relationships with clients, customers, and associates. Market the program and successfully tell its story to engage customers. Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the dining service operation. Preferred Qualifications: Associate's degree in Food Services Management/Hospitality/Culinary or Nutrition preferred or equivalent experience preferred. Strong leadership skills with a proven record to cultivate an inclusive and engaging culture. Skilled in crafting impactful, long-term relationships that drive program success and client satisfaction. Food service management experience needed. Solid culinary background preferred. Catering experience preferred. Knowledge of K12 food service experience is preferred. Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience. Proficiency in computer skills. 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 for paid time off benefits information.
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. We're preparing to launch a new partnership with a K12 school district in the Jackson, Michigan area, and we're seeking a Director of Dining Services who's ready to hit the ground running. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in both kitchen operations and community engagement. The successful candidate will be personable, highly organized, and motivated to make an immediate impactbringing strong experience in managing food service programs and leading teams with confidence and care. You'll oversee food operations across multiple schools, guiding a team of food service professionals while serving as the face of the dining program. From menu development and scratch cooking, this role offers the opportunity to elevate school dining through innovation, creativity, and connection. If you're passionate about nutrition, student engagement, and transforming school meals into a culinary experiencethis is your chance to lead with purpose and pride. Key Responsibilities: Lead, mentor, and encourage our team of dedicated frontline associates (some union). Drive critical initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability. Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization. Lead the annual budget and coordinates costs effectively. Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and sanitation standards. Build positive relationships with clients, customers, and associates. Market the program and successfully tell its story to engage customers. Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the dining service operation. Preferred Qualifications: Associate's degree in Food Services Management/Hospitality/Culinary or Nutrition preferred or equivalent experience preferred. Strong leadership skills with a proven record to cultivate an inclusive and engaging culture. Skilled in crafting impactful, long-term relationships that drive program success and client satisfaction. Food service management experience needed. Solid culinary background preferred. Catering experience preferred. Knowledge of K12 food service experience is preferred. Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience. Proficiency in computer skills. 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 for paid time off benefits information.