ASST DIR, DINING SERVICES I - UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY - LEXINGTON

Compass Group USA; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Personal Leave

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Job summary

Compass Group USA, in partnership with the University of Kentucky, is launching a long-term dining services initiative in Lexington. We seek an Assistant Director of Dining Services to oversee student dining across multiple UK locations, driving quality, safety, and service excellence.

The role requires leadership, collaboration with culinary and marketing teams, and the ability to manage staff and client relationships.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of food service management 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.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Chef and management team in creating nutritious and top quality food.
• 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

Tools

MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

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ASST DIR, DINING SERVICES I - UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY - LEXINGTON

A family of companies and experiences

As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!

great people. great services. great results.

Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.

Job Summary

Join Compass Group North America — Be Part of a Transformational Partnership!

Compass Group is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK), launching for the Fall of 2026—and we’re looking for talented individuals to help bring this innovative, integrated services model to life.

This long-term collaboration reflects a bold vision to align and strengthen services across UK’s campus, healthcare system, and athletics programs. By bringing together foodservice, hospitality, facilities management, and healthcare support, we are building a more connected and dynamic environment that enhances the experience for students, staff, patients, and the broader community.

Working as an Assistant Director of Dining Services Compass at UK Hospitality at the University of Kentucky - Lexington, you will work with one or more locations within our Student Dining account.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with the Chef and management team in creating nutritious and top quality food.
• 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:

• 2+ years of food service management 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.

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.

Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

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.