OPERATIONS DIRECTOR (Hospitality) - Binghamton University - Binghamton, NY
Salary: $125,000 - $135,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Eligible
At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.
We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you.
Job Summary
Lead. Inspire. Elevate the campus dining experience.
Working as a Director of Operations with Chartwells Higher Education means joining a team of passionate leaders who care deeply about people, food, innovation, and the student experience. If you’re a dynamic operator with the vision and drive to lead large‑scale campus dining programs, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
We’re looking for a strategic, people‑first leader to oversee high‑volume, multi‑unit dining operations exceeding $50 million in managed volume. You’ll guide a talented team, foster client engagement, ensure operational excellence, and help shape the future of campus dining.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership
Oversee multiple campus dining operations with $28M+ in total managed volume.
Maintain excellence in quality, service standards, and financial performance.
Develop, recommend, and implement regional policies and procedures.
Strategic & Financial Management
Monitor account financials for budget alignment and growth opportunities.
Participate in the sales process to support new business acquisition.
Ensure compliance with client contracts, regulatory requirements, and corporate standards.
Client & Guest Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients to ensure satisfaction and retention.
Resolve client, resident, and associate concerns with professionalism and care.
Drive customer satisfaction initiatives across all units.
Team Development
Lead, inspire, and develop a highly effective management team.
Conduct regular performance evaluations and ensure strong leadership pipelines.
Provide ongoing coaching, training, and growth opportunities to managers.
Operational Excellence
Conduct regular unit visits to monitor operations and compliance.
Complete all daily, weekly, and monthly reporting requirements.
Uphold an exceptional level of customer service and hospitality.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of experience leading multi‑unit foodservice operations.
- Proven success in P&L‑driven, fast-paced environments.
- Strong history of building high-performing teams and driving customer satisfaction.
- Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, make sound decisions, and adapt to change.
- Confidence working with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- A creative, flexible, innovative leadership approach.
- Commitment to excellence, service, and continuous improvement.
Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!
Chartwells Higher Education 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.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.
Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed 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/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1512391
Chartwells HE
KRISTINA MCCARTHY
[[req_classification]]
Nearest Major Market: Binghamton
Job Segment:
Food Service, Hospitality
