DIRECTOR DINING SERVICES - K12 Croswell-Lexington and Carsonville-Port Sanilac, MI
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
Are you a relationship-builder who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves the challenge of leading dynamic teams across multiple locations? We’re looking for a Director of Dining Services to oversee the foodservice programs for 2 school districts. Croswell-Lexington and Carsonville-Port Sanilac School Districts, serving a combined 1,600 students with a team of approximately 30 associates and a new administrative assistant. In this dual-district role, approximately 75% of your time will be focused at Croswell-Lexington, with the remainder supporting Carsonville-Port Sanilac. This position is ideal for someone who’s both people-savvy and detail-driven—able to build trust with two sets of clients, juggle budgets, lead financial reporting, and keep operations running smoothly. You’ll have the opportunity to lead, mentor, and inspire while driving innovation, engagement, and excellence in every cafeteria line and kitchen. If you're energized by making a meaningful impact in your community, love the idea of transforming school dining, and can handle month-end like a pro—we’d love to have you at the table!
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of approximately 30 frontline associates and one administrative assistant.
- Drive initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and program growth across both districts.
- Recruit, train, and develop top talent, cultivating a positive and inclusive culture.
- Manage dual budgets and ensure accurate and timely month-end financial reporting.
- Ensure full compliance with USDA, health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with school district clients, staff, and students.
- Perform additional duties to support the efficient operation of both dining programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Hospitality, Culinary Arts, or related field preferred—or equivalent experience.
- Minimum five years of dynamic foodservice management experience; multi-site or K-12 experience a plus.
- Strong grasp of high-volume food production and current catering trends.
- Experience with budget management, P&L accountability, or contract-managed services.
- Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and foodservice management systems.
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 for paid time off benefits information.
Req ID: 1429134
Chartwells K12
KRISTEN STROHMYER
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Food Service, Chef, Culinary, Kitchen, Hospitality