Director of Dining Services

Goodwin Recruiting; Byfield (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

Holidays

Sick Time

Life Insurance

Short-term Disability

401(k) Matching

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is conducting a confidential search for a Director of Dining Services to lead the dining and hospitality operations at a prestigious North Shore private educational institution. The role demands an entrepreneurial hospitality leader with experience in boutique, luxury or premium campus dining and a proven track record in P&L management and team development.

The ideal candidate will drive programs that emphasize exceptional food quality, service, and guest experience, while

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive leadership in upscale contract dining or luxury hospitality.
• Experience in prestigious independent schools or premium campus dining env.
• Proven success managing financial performance and leading teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and client relationship skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and hands-on leadership for dining and hospitality operations.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and retain culinary and service teams.
• Establish relationships with school leadership and campus community.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cost controls, and profitability.
• Collaborate with culinary leadership to deliver high-quality menus and dining experiences.
• Direct catering and special-event execution with meticulous attention to detail.
• Maintain highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and facility presentation.
• Identify and implement enhancements that elevate the dining program.

Skills

Leadership

People Management

Client Relations

Financial Management

Menu Development

Hospitality Excellence

Operations Oversight

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Director of Dining Services North Shore, MA

Salary: $110,000–$120,000 + Comprehensive Benefits

An Exceptional Leadership Opportunity

We are conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Director of Dining Services to lead the culinary and hospitality operations at one of New England's most prestigious private educational institutions.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a sophisticated, hands-on hospitality professional who understands that dining is more than simply providing meals—it is about creating an experience, building relationships, and delivering an elevated level of service.

Our ideal candidate comes from a boutique food service management company, upscale independent hospitality organization, luxury catering operation, or premier private school or university dining program where exceptional food quality, personalized service, and attention to detail are paramount.

We are seeking a leader who brings an entrepreneurial mindset, strong business acumen, and the ability to inspire a team while cultivating a genuine hospitality culture.

What We're Looking For

• Inspirational Leadership: A hands-on, approachable leader who develops talent, builds strong teams, establishes accountability, and creates an environment where employees take pride in their work.
• Exceptional Client Relations: A polished professional who excels at building relationships, anticipates needs, communicates proactively, and consistently delivers memorable hospitality experiences.
• Financial Expertise: Strong command of P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, purchasing, inventory, and food and labor cost controls. Understands how to balance financial performance with uncompromising quality.
• Operational Excellence: Proven ability to oversee complex dining operations while maintaining exceptional standards for food quality, presentation, sanitation, allergen management, and service execution.
• Creativity & Innovation: A forward-thinking individual who continually identifies opportunities to enhance menus, special events, catering, and the overall dining experience.
• Ownership Mentality: A proactive problem-solver who takes initiative, follows through on commitments, and approaches the operation as though it were their own business.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and hands-on leadership for all dining and hospitality operations.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and retain a high-performing culinary and service team.
• Establish strong relationships with school leadership and the broader campus community.
• Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cost controls, and profitability.
• Collaborate with culinary leadership to deliver creative, high-quality menus and exceptional dining experiences.
• Direct catering and special-event execution with meticulous attention to detail.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, operational consistency, and facility presentation.
• Identify and implement innovative enhancements that elevate the overall dining program.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in upscale contract dining, boutique food service management, luxury hospitality, high-end catering, or comparable operations.
• Experience in a prestigious independent school, private institution, or premium campus dining environment is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success managing financial performance and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and client relationship management skills.
• Strong culinary appreciation and a genuine passion for elevated hospitality.
• A professional, polished presence with the confidence to engage with discerning clientele and institutional leadership.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $110,000–$120,000, commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation, holidays, sick time, life insurance, short-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) retirement plan with potential employer matching.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is not a traditional institutional food service position. It is an opportunity to lead a highly visible dining program within an exceptional educational community where quality, relationships, innovation, and hospitality truly matter.

The right individual will have the autonomy to make a meaningful impact, elevate the guest experience, and build a team that takes genuine pride in delivering excellence.