ASST DIR, DINING SERVICES | CATERING - Kalamazoo Public Schools, MI

Chartwells School Dining Services K12

Kalamazoo (MI)

On-site

USD 62,000 - 70,000

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Stand out for this role — generate a tailored resume and cover letter in about a minute.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Commuter Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Paid Parental Leave

Personal Leave

Job summary

Chartwells K-12 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is seeking a hands-on Assistant Director of Dining Services focused on Catering Operations to join its leadership team. The role oversees a dynamic K-12 catering program serving thousands of students across multiple locations, with daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner events and occasional weekend functions.

The ideal candidate has strong catering management experience, culinary skills, and the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Strong leadership and communication skills.
Financial experience and business acumen.
Proficient computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and internet.

Responsibilities

Works with the Director and Frontline team in creating nutritious and top quality food.
Catering experience is a must!
Management experience is a must!
Hands on cooking experience a must!
Implements new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary teams.
Maintains excellent relationships with the client.
Manages, trains, and develops associates.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial acumen

MS Office

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel)

Job description

Chartwells K12

Salary: $62,000 - $70,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, dental & vision insurance, 401K, PTO

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

Assistant Director of Dining Services, Catering Operations

Kalamazoo Public Schools | Kalamazoo, Michigan

We are seeking a hands-on Assistant Director of Dining Services focused on Catering Operations to join its leadership team. Reporting to the Resident District Manager and partnering closely with the Executive Chef, Registered Dietitian, and two additional Assistant Directors, this role supports a dynamic K-12 dining program serving more than 12,000 students across 30+ locations. Based in the district's newly opened, state-of-the-art central kitchen, the Assistant Director will lead a high-volume catering program featuring daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner events, buffet functions serving up to 800 guests, Board of Education dinners, summer events, and occasional weekend functions.

This highly visible role oversees all aspects of catering operations, including menu planning, culinary execution, event coordination, pricing, invoicing, and staff management. The successful candidate will work closely with the Catering Cook and Aide while remaining actively involved in food preparation and event execution. Beyond catering, this leader will provide operational support throughout the district as needed, including employee training, staffing support, compliance oversight, and assistance with meal service operations.

The ideal candidate is a skilled culinary professional and proven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can successfully manage multiple events simultaneously, and maintains a flexible schedule to support varying catering demands. Catering management experience and strong cooking skills are required. This is an exceptional opportunity to help grow an innovative catering program while making a meaningful impact within one of Michigan's largest and most progressive school districts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Works with the Director and Frontline team in creating nutritious and top quality food.
Cateirng experience is a must!
Managment experience is a must!
Hands on cooking experience a must!
Implements new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary teams.
Maintains excellent relationships with the client.
Manages, trains, and develops associates.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

3+ years of food service supervisory or lead experience.
Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or related food service operations.
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Financial experience and business acumen skills.
Proficient computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and internet.

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA.

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.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.