Dining Services Director: Lead Culinary Excellence

Compass Group USA; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

The Compass Group USA's Flik Hospitality Group seeks a Director of Dining Services to own a high-quality dining operation, lead the team, and build a strong client partnership, ensuring an exceptional guest experience.

You will collaborate with culinary leadership on menus, develop a high-performing team, and drive financial performance across the account, balancing hospitality with business results in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Business, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of progressive foodservice management experience.
• High-volume food production and catering experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing budgets, P&L, labor, and financial performance.
• Strong team leadership, coaching, and development skills.
• Excellent client relationship and communication skills.
• Hands-on, proactive leadership style with strong operational instincts.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
• Passion for hospitality, food, and creating exceptional guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily dining operations and create a positive, high‑performing team culture.
• Hire, train, coach, motivate, and develop associates and managers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, guests, and internal partners.
• Partner with the Chef and culinary team on menu development and execution of high‑quality food programs.
• Own account P&L, budgeting, forecasting, cost controls, and overall financial performance.
• Oversee high‑volume food production, catering, and special events.
• Lead new culinary programs, service initiatives, and operational improvements.
• Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, hospitality, sanitation, and guest experience.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, and financial results.
• Serve as a trusted partner to the client and proactively respond to changing business needs.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Communication

Hospitality mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Business, or related field

Job description

The Compass Group USA's Flik Hospitality Group seeks a Director of Dining Services to own a high-quality dining operation, lead the team, and build a strong client partnership, ensuring an exceptional guest experience.

You will collaborate with culinary leadership on menus, develop a high-performing team, and drive financial performance across the account, balancing hospitality with business results in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.