Culinary Director, Corporate Café & Events

Compass Group USA; Newberry (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

FSAs

Personal Leave

Job summary

Canteen, part of Compass Group USA, seeks a forward-thinking Chef / Dining Director to lead the corporate café program. Deliver exceptional dining experiences while driving operational excellence and client relationships at the executive level.

The ideal candidate combines culinary creativity with strong client partnerships, cost control acumen, and a passion for seasonal, quality-driven menus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of culinary management experience in contract dining, fine dining, or high-volume upscale environments.
• Proven ability to develop trusted client partnerships and tailored solutions.
• Deep knowledge of culinary trends, workplace dining, and premium catering execution.
• Proven success in cost control, inventory management, and operational leadership.
• Experience with exhibition-style cooking and engaging guests through culinary storytelling.
• Strong understanding of HACCP standards and food safety practices.
• Experience managing P&L in a contract dining environment (preferred).
• ServSafe certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of the culinary and café operation, delivering a seamless, elevated guest experience.
• Oversee inventory, ordering, and receiving with precision and efficiency.
• Create and execute seasonally inspired, chef-driven menus with a focus on quality and presentation.
• Drive financial performance, managing food cost, purchasing, and P&L accountability.
• Champion sustainability and responsible sourcing, with emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients.
• Design and execute innovative catering experiences for executive meetings and corporate events.
• Inspire, mentor, and develop your team to consistently deliver best-in-class food and service.

Skills

Culinary management

Client partnerships

Culinary trends

Cost control

Inventory management

Operational leadership

Culinary storytelling

HACCP

Food safety

P&L management

ServSafe

Job description

Canteen, part of Compass Group USA, seeks a forward-thinking Chef / Dining Director to lead the corporate café program. Deliver exceptional dining experiences while driving operational excellence and client relationships at the executive level.

The ideal candidate combines culinary creativity with strong client partnerships, cost control acumen, and a passion for seasonal, quality-driven menus.