Director of Dining Services

Compass Group, North America; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Job summary

Flik Hospitality Group in Evanston is seeking a Director of Dining Services to lead a high-quality dining operation, partner with culinary leadership, and drive financial and strategic success for the account.

You will manage daily operations, build a strong client partnership, and elevate guest experiences through hands-on leadership and a focus on excellence in both hospitality and business results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Business, or related field is preferred.
• Strong team leadership and coaching skills are essential.
• Excellent client relationships and communication abilities are required.

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 relationships

Communication

Operations

Education

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

Job description

Flik Hospitality Group

Salary: 85000 - 90000 / year

What makes FLIK click

What makes FLIK click? Our people. The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value and recognize their contributions.

We keep our people renewed, excited and engaged by providing hands-on training and educating them about the latest trends. We give them a stake in successfully raising the bar. Our people love what they do and they love sharing their passion. Join our team and see the FLIK difference. Where a job isn’t merely a job but the start of a career where you can flourish.

Job Summary

As the Director of Dining Services, you’ll take ownership of a high-quality dining operation, leading the team, building a strong client partnership, and ensuring an exceptional experience for every guest. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the operation while also driving the financial and strategic success of the account.

You’ll partner closely with culinary leadership to deliver innovative food programs, develop a high-performing team, and continuously look for ways to elevate the dining experience.

The Director of Dining Services is responsible for the overall success of the account, including daily operations, team leadership, client relations, financial performance, and culinary programming. This role requires a collaborative, highly visible leader who can balance exceptional hospitality with strong business results.

Key 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Business, or a related field preferred.


• 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.

Associates at Flik Hospitality are offered many fantastic benefits

• Medical


• Dental


• 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


• Commuter Benefits


• Employee Assistance Program


• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)


• Paid Parental Leave


• 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 (https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FlikHospitality.pdf) or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FlikHospitality.pdf

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.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Flik maintains a drug-free workplace.

Flik Hospitality Group

Kristan McIntosh