Director Dining Services

Restaurant Associates; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement Plan

Health and Wellness Programs

Pet Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Job summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking a Director of Dining Services in Seattle, WA, responsible for overseeing all dining operations, ensuring excellent service and food quality. The ideal candidate will lead the team, manage financial performance, and maintain client relationships.

Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, 3–5 years of food service management experience, and proficiency in Google products. Benefits include health and wellness programs, retirement plans, and more.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of food service management experience.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams.
• ServSafe certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct all food service operations.
• Partner with the Executive Chef for menu development.
• Manage all financial aspects including budgeting.

Skills

Food service management

Budget management

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Catering experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

Position Details

• Position: Director of Dining Services
• Location: Seattle, WA
• Schedule: Monday – Friday (6:30 am – 4:30 pm)
• Pay Range: $95 k – $110 k

Position Summary

The Director of Dining Services is responsible for leading all aspects of dining operations within a corporate, contract services, or high‑volume hospitality environment, ensuring exceptional service, food quality, and overall client satisfaction. The role oversees daily operations, financial performance, team leadership, and client relationships. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands‑on leader with a passion for food service excellence, team development, and creating an engaging and welcoming dining experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and direct all food service operations, including dining services, catering, and special events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and employees to ensure outstanding service and satisfaction.
• Partner with the Executive Chef and culinary team to develop and implement seasonal menus and innovative culinary programs.
• Manage all financial aspects of the operation, including budgeting, forecasting, invoice processing, daily sales reporting, catering invoicing, and period‑end close.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and allergen standards while promoting a culture of safety.
• Conduct daily pre‑service meetings to align the team on expectations, service standards, and key updates.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training, and performance management of dining associates.
• Conduct mid‑year and annual performance reviews, providing coaching, feedback, and development opportunities.
• Drive customer engagement through marketing initiatives, menu innovation, promotions, and catering events.
• Maintain high standards of service, cleanliness, and presentation across all dining areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Business, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of food service management experience, ideally in corporate dining, contract services, or high‑volume hospitality.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and cost controls.
• Strong background in catering, special events, and high‑volume food production.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams, manage competing priorities, and execute key initiatives.
• Proficiency in using Google products including Hangouts, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Spreadsheets, and Sites.
• ServSafe certification preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• A passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Benefits for Associates

• Retirement Plan
  • Retirement Plan
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

Full‑Time Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/AD
• Disability Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Company Policies

• Use of a medium‑weight cut glove when handling or using knives, peelers, choppers, mandolins or cleaning a slicer.
• Use of oven mitts, fryer gloves or steamer gloves when handling hot pans from ovens, warmers or steam tables.
• Use of slip‑resistant shoes and proper lifting techniques.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Compass Group is an equal‑opportunity employer. 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.