CATERING DIRECTOR - Chartwells Higher Education -New York, NY

Compass Group USA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Chartwells Higher Education in New York, NY is seeking a dynamic Catering Director to lead strategic direction, financial performance, and operations for all campus catering services. You will partner with campus stakeholders and Compass leadership to deliver data-driven catering programs and drive revenue growth.

The role requires senior leadership experience in catering/hospitality, strong financial acumen, and a track record of managing high-volume operations in higher education or

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Hospitality, Business, or related field preferred
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Expertise in menu engineering and cost control
• Experience in market analysis and strategic planning

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for Catering Sales, Operations, and Production teams
• Lead, develop, and mentor managers and frontline associates
• Build and sustain an inclusive high-performing team culture
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, workforce planning, and succession development
• Drive performance management, coaching, and engagement initiatives
• Serve as the primary client-facing liaison for Chartwells catering services
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and debriefs with campus stakeholders
• Review past event performance using data and feedback to drive improvements
• Plan future events aligned with client goals and campus needs
• Build partnerships with campus departments, faculty, and administration

Skills

Leadership experience

Client relationship management

Financial acumen

Data interpretation

Menu engineering

Strategic planning

Presentation skills

Team development

Multi-site operations

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field preferred

Job description

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CATERING DIRECTOR - Chartwells Higher Education -New York, NY

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 Director of Catering is responsible for the strategic leadership, financial performance, and operational execution of all catering services within a Chartwells Higher Education account. This role drives revenue growth, profitability, client satisfaction, and service excellence while ensuring full alignment with Compass Group standards and campus client expectations.
This position operates as a senior leader within the dining services organization, partnering closely with campus stakeholders, culinary leadership, and regional Compass leadership to deliver innovative, data-driven catering programs. The Director of Catering serves as the primary client-facing leader for catering services, providing insights, continuous improvement strategies, and long-term business development.

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for Catering Sales, Catering Operations, and Production teams
• Lead, develop, and mentor salaried managers and frontline associates
• Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive team culture aligned with Compass values
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, workforce planning, and succession development
• Drive performance management processes including evaluations, coaching, and engagement initiatives
• Client Engagement & Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary senior-level liaison between Chartwells and university stakeholders
• Lead and participate in client meetings, presentations, and event debriefs
• Reviewing past event performance using data and feedback
• Providing strategic recommendations for improvement
• Planning future events aligned with client goals
• Build strong partnerships with campus departments, faculty, and administration
• Ensure all client interactions are proactive, consultative, and solution-oriented

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field preferred
• 5–8+ years of progressive leadership experience in catering, hospitality, or food service
• Experience in higher education dining or large-scale contract food service preferred
• Proven track record managing high-volume, multi-functional operations
• Advanced financial acumen (profit margin, food cost, COGA, labor management, budgeting)
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Expertise in menu engineering and cost control
• Experience in market analysis and strategic planning
• Exceptional client relationship management and presentation skills
• Strong leadership, delegation, and team development capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, service-driven environment

Chartwells Higher Education 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.

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
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• 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.

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