QA DIRECTOR - UK HOSPITALITY - LEXINGTON, KY

Job Summary

Join Compass Group North America — Be Part of a Transformational Partnership!

Compass Group is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK), launching July 2026—and we’re looking for talented individuals to help bring this innovative, integrated services model to life.

This long-term collaboration reflects a bold vision to align and strengthen services across UK’s campus, healthcare system, and athletics programs. By bringing together foodservice, hospitality, facilities management, and healthcare support, we are building a more connected and dynamic environment that enhances the experience for students, staff, patients, and the broader community.

Working as the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Director with Compass at UK Hospitality at the University of Kentucky - Lexington, you will be directly responsible for the overall food and operational safety of a dynamic food service environment and will be held accountable for and tasked with building the overall safety behaviors of the account. The Director operates the department in accordance with the approved safety standards, while maintaining excellent relationships with employees, guests and Client as well as other departments within the operation.   Most important, the Director will be responsible for building a strong culture of Food and Workplace safety and accountability based on team member education, specifically “whys” to exceed the high standard set within Chartwells.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and provide readiness for Health Division Food Service Inspections, 3rd party Food Safety Audits
• Perform unit level safety audits for residential dining, retail, catering and commissary operations
• Provide written feedback to unit managers, clients and vendor partners, regarding unit observations and assist with implementation of Compass Safety Standards and Solutions Action Plans
• Lead safety management team meetings and perform Safety/QA Training with associates, and one-on-one with management involvement
• Develop, implement and update the Quality Assurance, Food Safety and Emergency Plans
• Provide verification that the safety systems are working daily, identify deficiencies and implement new strategies
• Attend meetings, workshops and special events for safety issues
• Supports Food Allergen Compliance
• Serve as flexible safety specialists as first responders
   

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. degree in food technology, food science, or related curriculum and/or experience required, Masters preferred
• At least 10 years of directly related experience required in Quality Assurance and Food Safety
• Experienced in prepared foods
• Prior compliance experience with all Health codes, maintain Health permitting and ServSafe Certifications including professional communication skills with all levels of associates and clients; able to train associates and managers; able to analyze problems and select appropriate solutions
• Ability to maintain ServSafe Certification (90% or higher) (within 90 days as per Compass Standard)
• Previous health permitting, QA and Safety Training experience  
• Attention to detail and ability to help managers to find solutions
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, and professionalism
• Strong data management, reporting, and writing skills
• Strong understand of FSMA is a must
• Proficient in MS Office applications