DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES - K12 Schools in Battle

Compass Group USA; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to 15%

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

PTO

401(k)

Job summary

Chartwells K12 in Battle Creek, MI is seeking a dining services leader to oversee a comprehensive student nutrition program. This hands-on role drives operational excellence, mentors staff, manages budgets, and ensures high-quality, compliant dining services for students.

The ideal candidate leads with service, builds strong district partnerships, and champions nutrition and continuous improvement within a well-established program.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Management, Hospitality, Culinary, or Nutrition preferred; additional food service management experience.
• Three or more years of food service management experience.
• K-12 dining experience preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Financial acumen with strong business intuition.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all P&L and budgeting as it pertains to the account.
• Maintains excellent relationships with the client.
• Works with the team to create nutritious, high-quality food for students.
• Implements new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary teams.
• Acts as a liaison between Chartwells, the client, and the community.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the dining services operation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial acumen

Education

Associate’s degree in Management

Hospitality

Culinary

Nutrition

Job description

DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES - K12 Schools in Battle

Other Forms of Compensation: Annual bonus incentive up to 15%, Medical, Dental & Vision insurance, PTO, 401K

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary

A school district in the Battle Creek, MI area is seeking an engaging and service-focused dining services leader to oversee a comprehensive student nutrition program. This highly visible role is responsible for the overall success of dining operations, including team leadership, financial performance, food quality, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and day-to-day program management. The position works closely with district leadership to deliver exceptional service while supporting the nutritional needs of students.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who enjoys developing teams, building strong relationships, and driving operational excellence. This role requires someone who can effectively lead and mentor staff, manage budgets and financial controls, ensure compliance with all regulations, and foster a culture centered on service, quality, and continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for a foodservice professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a school environment while leading a well-established dining program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversees all P&L and budgeting as it pertains to the account
• Maintains excellent relationships with the client
• Works with the team to create nutritious, high-quality food for students
• Implements new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary teams
• Acts as a liaison between Chartwells, the client, and the community
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the dining services operation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Management, Hospitality, Culinary, or Nutrition preferred; additional food service management experience
• Three or more years of food service management experience
• K-12 dining experience preferred
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Financial acumen with strong business intuition

Chartwells Schools 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.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12are 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.