OPERATIONS DIRECTOR - The George Washington University- Washington, DC
Salary: $125,000 - $130,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Eligible
At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.
We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you.
Job Summary
The Residential Director of Operations is responsible for leading all residential dining operations across George Washington University's campus dining program. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for multiple residential dining facilities, ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction, financial performance, food quality, safety, and team engagement. The Director partners closely with university stakeholders and Chartwells leadership to deliver an innovative dining experience that supports student success and campus life.
Operational Leadership
- Direct daily operations of residential dining facilities, including all-you-care-to-eat venues, retail residential locations, late-night programs, and meal plan execution.
- Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality food, service, and hospitality standards.
- Lead operational planning, staffing strategies, and service enhancements.
- Execute company and client initiatives while maintaining operational excellence.
Financial Management
- Manage revenue, expenses, labor, and controllable costs to achieve budget targets.
- Analyze financial reports, labor productivity, and operational metrics.
- Develop action plans to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
- Support forecasting, annual budgeting, and capital planning efforts.
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit, train, mentor, and develop managers, supervisors, and frontline associates.
- Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, inclusion, and professional growth.
- Conduct performance evaluations and succession planning for key leadership positions.
- Maintain positive employee relations and support union interactions when applicable.
Client & Campus Relations
- Serve as a primary operational liaison between Chartwells and university stakeholders.
- Collaborate with housing, student affairs, athletics, and campus partners.
- Participate in student engagement initiatives, dining committees, and campus events.
- Respond effectively to client concerns and implement service improvements.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, federal, and company regulations.
- Maintain food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
- Lead preparation for health inspections and internal audits.
- Support sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives.
Culinary & Guest Experience
- Collaborate with culinary leadership on menus, promotions, and dining innovations.
- Enhance student satisfaction through continuous evaluation of dining experiences.
- Monitor service standards and implement best practices across locations.
- Utilize feedback, surveys, and operational data to drive improvements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Foodservice Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of progressive foodservice management experience.
- Multi-unit dining, hospitality, or higher education dining leadership experience.
- Strong financial acumen with responsibility for large operating budgets.
- Proven leadership experience managing salaried managers and large hourly teams.
- Experience with labor management, scheduling, and workforce development.
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation principles.
- Higher education dining experience.
- Experience managing residential dining programs and meal plans.
- Union management experience.
- ServSafe Manager Certification.
- Experience with large-volume dining operations serving thousands of guests daily.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Leadership
- Financial Management
- Client Relationship Management
- Team Development
- Operational Excellence
- Change Management
- Problem Solving
- Communication & Collaboration
- Student-Centered Service
- Data-Driven Decision Making
Success Measures
- Achievement of dining satisfaction goals
- Budget and profitability performance
- Labor utilization and productivity targets
- Health and safety compliance scores
- Employee engagement and retention
- Client satisfaction and contract performance metrics
- Successful implementation of campus dining initiatives
Typical Scope
- Multiple residential dining locations
- Annual managed volume of several million dollars
- Leadership of managers, supervisors, and large hourly teams
- Direct responsibility for student dining experience and residential meal plan operations
Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!
Chartwells Higher Education 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.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.
Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed 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 or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1587045
Chartwells HE
KRISTINA MCCARTHY
[[req_classification]]
Nearest Major Market: Washington DC
Job Segment:
Food Service, Relationship Manager, Chef, Culinary, Hospitality, Customer Service
