DIRECTOR DINING SERVICES - K12 Elkhart Community School District, IN
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 lead the foodservice program for the newly acquired and high-impact Elkhart Community Schools in Elkhart, IN. This large-scale operation spans 21 schools, serving over 11,000 students, and offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact. You’ll report to a Resident District Manager and be supported by a strong leadership team, including 2 Directors of Dining Services, 2 Executive Chefs, 1 Dietitian, and 1 Office Manager, while assisting in overseeing a frontline staff of up to 175 associates.
This role is perfect for someone who can connect well with others and is skilled at handling client relationships, budgets, financial reporting, and operational efficiency. You’ll have the opportunity to lead, mentor, and inspire while driving innovation, engagement, and excellence in every cafeteria and kitchen. If you're energized by redefining school dining, making a lasting impact in your community, and can handle month-end like a pro—we’d love to have you at the table. Teamwork will be the main ingredient to success!
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and inspire our team up to 175 frontline associates.
- Drive strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and increase profitability.
- Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization.
- Assist with Annual budget and control costs.
- 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 Food Services Technology/Management/Hospitality preferred or equivalent experience.**
- Five plus years of foodservice management experience.
- Solid understanding of high-volume food production and (catering trends) is preferred.
- Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
- Outstanding 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-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: 1430027
Chartwells K12
KRISTEN STROHMYER
[[req_classification]]
Nearest Major Market: Elkhart
Nearest Secondary Market: South Bend
Job Segment:
Food Service, Kitchen, Chef, Culinary, Hospitality