Director of Dining Services

Goodwin Recruiting; Potomac (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Vacation & holidays

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

FSAs

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting seeks a Director of Dining Services to lead dining operations for a respected private college preparatory day school. You will shape a premier dining program, develop staff, and ensure operational excellence in a values-driven environment.

Expect responsibility for budgeting, food safety, and menu planning, with strong emphasis on team development and client satisfaction. This role offers a rewarding path in educational dining leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or substantial related food service experience.
• Minimum 5 years in contract food service operations, high-end catering management, or campus dining.
• ANSI Food Protection Manager, Alcohol, and Allergen certifications required.
• Proficiency with email, internet, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and accounting, timekeeping, and HR systems.
• Strong mathematical skills including arithmetic, algebra, and statistics.
• Knowledge of culinary equipment operation, maintenance, and cleaning.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, budgeting, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall account operations in alignment with best practices and core values, fostering a strong team culture.
• Develop and coach management staff, recruit talent, and ensure clear expectations and accountability.
• Partner with clients to understand goals and deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.
• Manage budgets, control labor and food costs, oversee purchasing, inventory, and financial reporting.
• Plan menus, oversee food production, ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Coordinate staff hiring, training, performance evaluations, and scheduling.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen facilities, promoting sustainability initiatives.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements to enhance operations, menu offerings, and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Data analysis

Financial management

Staff development

Office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

HR systems

Job description

Director of Dining Services

This opportunity offers leadership of dining services for a respected private, co-ed college preparatory day school. You will play a critical role in shaping a high-quality dining experience, fostering team development, and maintaining operational excellence within a stable and values-driven environment.

Director of Dining Services Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary range of $95,000–$100,000
• Approximately 12 days of accrued vacation annually, plus 5 paid holidays and 6 sick days per year
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Company-provided term life insurance and short-term disability coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) available
• Eligibility to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan with potential company match
• Benefits eligibility begins the first day of the month following hire

Director of Dining Services Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 10 years of related food service experience
• Minimum of 5 years in contract food service operations, high-end catering management, or campus dining
• ANSI Food Protection Manager, Alcohol, and Allergen certifications required
• Proficiency with email, internet, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and accounting, timekeeping, and HR systems
• Strong mathematical skills including arithmetic, algebra, and statistics
• Knowledge of culinary equipment operation, maintenance, and cleaning
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, budgeting, and data analysis

Director of Dining Services Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead overall account operations in alignment with best practices and core values, fostering a strong team culture
• Develop and coach management staff, recruit talent, and ensure clear expectations and accountability
• Partner with clients to understand goals and deliver exceptional hospitality experiences
• Manage budgets, control labor and food costs, oversee purchasing, inventory, and financial reporting
• Plan menus, oversee food production, ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
• Coordinate staff hiring, training, performance evaluations, and scheduling
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen facilities, promoting sustainability initiatives
• Identify and implement continuous improvements to enhance operations, menu offerings, and customer satisfaction

This role demands strong leadership, financial acumen, operational expertise, and a commitment to delivering exceptional dining services in an educational environment. If you thrive on building teams and elevating food service programs, this position offers a rewarding career path.