DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES

Salary: $78000-$85000

Other Forms of Compensation: Annual Bonus Incentive up to 20%

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

Chartwells at East St. Louis School District, located in East St. Louis, IL, is seeking a dynamic Director of Dining Services to lead our food service team across 10 schools, serving 4,500 students. This is a long-standing, well-established account, and we're looking for a leader with strong catering experience, excellent client relationship skills, and a passion for building lasting partnerships. If you thrive in managing P&L, creating engaging menus, and driving student participation, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

In this role, you'll lead a dedicated team that includes an Executive Chef, Assistant Director, and 55 frontline associates. You'll work daytime hours (7 AM–4 PM), Monday through Friday, ensuring compliance with NSLP guidelines while fostering innovation and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will bring financial acumen, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to navigate stakeholder relationships with confidence and professionalism. We're looking for someone who can make strategic decisions quickly, communicate clearly, and maintain a strong sense of partnership with district leaders and community members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of Chartwells 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:

• Minimum of an Associate's degree in Food Services/Management/Hospitality/Culinary/Nutrition necessary or equivalent experience.**
• Five plus years of foodservice management experience, prefers K12.
• Strong knowledge of high-volume food production is preferred.
• Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer skills.

Apply to Chartwells Schools today

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

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-12are 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.

Req ID:

Chartwells K12

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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