RESIDENT DISTRICT MANAGER - South Bend Community School District, IN

Job Summary

Chartwells K12 is seeking a strategic, inspiring, and solutions-oriented Resident District Manager to lead our tenured account at South Bend Community School Corporation, serving over 15,000 students across 28 schools. Reporting directly to the Area Director, this role oversees all aspects of a multi-unit dining operation—from client relationships and financial performance to operational excellence and team leadership. Success in this role requires a strong problem solver with exceptional financial acumen and the ability to build positive, lasting relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.

You’ll lead a seasoned management team of eight—including four Directors, three Chefs, and a Dietitian—and support up to 150 dedicated frontline union associates. Your leadership will guide the delivery of exceptional service and innovative programs like Mood Boost, Student Choice, Discovery Kitchen, and Global Eats. We’re looking for a hands-on leader who communicates effectively, inspires teams, and creates fresh, fun, and nourishing dining experiences across multiple sites—all while driving results and maintaining a student-centered focus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, inspire, and manage a team with varied strengths across a large multi-unit account, ensuring outstanding service to students, clients, and the community
• Serve as the primary client liaison, building positive relationships and ensuring satisfaction across all levels of the district
• Drive operational and financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
• Collaborate with culinary and service leaders to deliver engaging student programs and regenerate a vibrant catering business
• Cultivate a culture of clarity, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Represent Chartwells K12 at district and community events, acting as a brand ambassador
• Ensure compliance with USDA regulations, local/state/federal policies, and company standards
• Conduct audits and maintain high standards in food safety, sanitation, and operational excellence
• Support cross-functional areas including marketing, nutrition, and culinary innovation
• Champion team development through mentor, performance evaluations, and succession planning
• Participate in district leadership conversations to share standard processes and build community

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in foodservice, hospitality, culinary or nutrition
• Have overseen over $5 million in managed volume
• Experience supporting K12 food service
• Minimum of three (5) years of management experience 
• Strong financial acumen and a track record of leading successful teams and business operations
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and POS systems
• Demonstrates proactive, inclusive, and resilient leadership while valuing the well-being of children