DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES - Wiseburn & DaVinci Unified School Districts, Hawthorne, CA

Chartwells School Dining Services K12

Hawthorne (CA)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 98,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to 20%

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K

Job summary

Chartwells K12 seeks a dynamic Director of Dining Services to lead nutrition programs serving 5,100+ students across Wiseburn USD and Da Vinci Schools in the South Bay. You will oversee food service operations for four Wiseburn campuses and six Da Vinci sites, leading a unionized team of about 30 staff and an Executive Chef.

The ideal candidate balances strategic oversight with hands-on support, coaches teams, manages budgets and client relationships, ensures quality, safety and catering

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Food Services Technology/Management/Hospitality preferred or equivalent experience.
Five plus years of foodservice management experience.
Strong knowledge of high-volume food production and catering trends.
Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
Proficiency in computer skills.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of managers and frontline associates.
Drive strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and profitability.
Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization.
Own the annual budget and control costs optimally.
Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
Build strong relationships with clients, customers, and associates.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial management

Labor management

Catering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Services Technology/Management/Hospitality

5+ years of foodservice management experience

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

Chartwells K12

Salary: $85,000 - $98,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Annual bonus incentive up to 20%, medical, dental & vision insurance, 401K, PTO

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

Wiseburn Unified School District and Da Vinci Schools are seeking a dynamic Director of Dining Services to lead nutrition programs serving more than 5,100 students across 10 schools in the South Bay area. This role oversees food service operations for Wiseburn USD's four schools (approximately 2,400 students) and Da Vinci Schools' six campuses (approximately 2,741 students), leading a unionized team of approximately 30 employees and one salaried Executive Chef. In addition to managing daily operations, financial performance, compliance, and client relationships, the Director will provide oversight of catering services and special events, ensuring high-quality execution and outstanding customer service across both organizations.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader, communicator, and financial manager who can balance strategic oversight with hands‑on support. They will have a proven ability to coach and develop teams, build trusted relationships with school partners, manage unionized employees, and drive accountability across multiple locations. A solid understanding of culinary operations, menu innovation, student engagement, labor management, and catering is essential. K‑12 experience is highly preferred, and union experience is a plus. This is an excellent opportunity for a collaborative, student‑focused leader who is passionate about developing people, growing participation, and delivering exceptional food service programs.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of (salaried managers) and (up to xxx) frontline associates.
Drive strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and increase profitability.
Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization.
Own the annual budget and control costs optimally.
Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
Build strong relationships with clients, customers, and associates.
Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Food Services Technology/Management/Hospitality preferred or equivalent experience.**
Five plus years of foodservice management experience.
Strong knowledge of high-volume food production and (catering trends) is preferred.
Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
Proficiency in computer skills.

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.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

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.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.