Director of Operations - K‑12 District Partnership

Job Summary

Director of Operations — K‑12 District Partnership

Chartwells K12 | Winston‑Salem Public School System

Lead a flagship, long‑term district account where results are won through relationships. As Director of Operations, you’ll be the district’s trusted operating partner—co‑creating strategy, influencing decisions, and turning insights into programs that elevate student dining at scale.

What you’ll do

• Influence through partnership: Build executive‑level trust with district leaders; set a joint roadmap, run QBRs, and turn data into clear, persuasive narratives that drive action.
• Own the business: Lead multi‑site operations and full P&L for a large scope; deliver productivity, quality, and margin.
• Develop people: Coach managers, shape district‑wide training, and build a strong leadership bench with a client committed to staff development.
• Innovate & scale: Pilot new service models, menus, tech, and processes; standardize what works across schools.
• Ensure excellence: Drive USDA/state compliance, food safety, audit readiness, and consistent execution across culinary, procurement, HR, and finance.

What you bring

• Established record of leading large, complex, multi‑site contract food service (education/healthcare/B&I/hospitality).
• Proven client partnership and influence with public‑sector stakeholders; strong executive presence and communication.
• Track record in cost containment, KPI management, and program implementation at scale.
• K‑12 nutrition & USDA compliance expertise strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Why this role

High‑visibility, long‑term partnership; real runway to innovate; and a client that actively invests in people development and training—under your leadership.

Ready to lead through partnership and deliver impact at scale? Apply now.

Key Responsibilities (Essential)

• Manage overall leadership for all departmental functions, including managing, planning, directing, and evaluating departmental operations.
• Lead a large volume multi‑site environment (prior experience required).
• Provide fiscal oversight of operations and financial reports to the Area Director; recommend and evaluate cost‑control compliance.
• Identify new and innovative ways to reduce labor and material costs.
• Directly supervise and maintain responsibility for your unit; direct the efforts of and supervise management and other staff members.
• Participate in the development of short‑term and long‑term departmental goals and objectives.
• Provide advice and input on the administration of district‑wide programs and initiatives that involve the Company.
• Provide advice and input in managing strategic plans and developing integrated programs.
• Direct coordination across departments to ensure teams are not working at cross purposes.
• Monitor, evaluate, and advise on process development, compliance, and internal controls; provide information and reporting to management.
• Advise on developing and implementing new policies or revisions to existing policies.
• Stay abreast of developments in the field; participate in training and professional development sessions.
• Serve on committees and user groups as requested.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Five to ten years of progressive management & leadership with a proven record of cost containment in a large, complex organization.
• Visionary leader with strong management, planning, and communication skills; able to see interconnections between operating units.
• Proven success in client relationship management, financial oversight, influencing without authority, and team development.
• Expertise in K‑12 school nutrition operations and USDA compliance strongly preferred.
• General business acumen; excellent interpersonal skills.
• High customer‑service and quality orientation with great communication skills and public speaking ability.
• Ability to multi‑task, establish priorities, and stay organized in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Exhibits initiative, responsibility, flexibility, and leadership.

Ready to lead through partnership, deliver impact at scale, and accelerate your career? Apply now.

Join Chartwells K12 and help us nourish students so they can thrive—every day.