REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - K12 FOOD SERVICE - LOUISIANA AND MISSISSIPPI
Position Title: REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - K12 FOOD SERVICE - LOUISIANA AND MISSISSIPPI
Pay Grade: 18
Salary: $140,000 - $150,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Up to 30% bonus potential
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
Chartwells K12 is seeking a dynamic Regional Director of Operations to lead and inspire our teams across Louisiana and Mississippi. This senior leadership role oversees a multi-unit, contract-managed food service operation with an annual managed volume exceeding $50 million. The Regional Director will drive operational excellence, deliver financial results, and strengthen client partnerships while ensuring every student receives nutritious meals that fuel learning and success.
📍 This is a remote-based opportunity, ideally located in the New Orleans or Baton Rouge area, or in the Jackson, MS or surrounding areas.
What You’ll Do
Provide strategic leadership and direction for District Managers, Resident District Managers, and Directors of Dining Services across multiple school districts.
Oversee all aspects of food service management including compliance, quality assurance, client satisfaction, and financial performance.
Partner with district leaders and clients to ensure strong relationships, contract retention, and innovative program delivery.
Lead and mentor management teams to develop future leaders and maintain a culture of excellence.
Manage budgets, financial analysis, and reporting for a large, complex region.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives in operations, service delivery, and client engagement.
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience.
Minimum 5 years of senior-level leadership in multi-unit, contract-managed food service operations.
Proven experience managing a $50M+ portfolio, with strong P&L responsibility.
Background in K-12 food service strongly preferred.
Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and client relationship skills.
Demonstrated ability to inspire large teams, deliver results, and retain contracts in a competitive environment.
This is a rare opportunity to make a significant impact at scale—leading a region that serves thousands of students daily, while building strong partnerships and driving operational success across Louisiana and Mississippi.
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.
Nearest Major Market: New Orleans
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