Director of Retail

Compass Group USA; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to 20%

Prestigious corporate dining

Job summary

Restaurant Associates, part of Compass Group USA, is seeking a Director of Retail to lead a high-profile corporate dining portfolio at the World Bank. The role oversees 5 cafés and 5 coffee bars, serving 3,500–4,000 associates daily with a team of ~150 hourly staff and six direct-report managers.

This position blends strategic leadership with hands-on operational management, focusing on guest experiences, financial performance, and a strong client partnership with World Bank stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in foodservice, hospitality, or retail dining.
• Experience managing high-volume, multi-unit operations.
• Background with budgets, forecasts and P&L accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall retail dining operation across multiple cafés and coffee bars.
• Oversee financial performance including budgeting, forecasting, cost controls, and P&L management.
• Ensure exceptional guest service and high-quality food & beverage experiences.
• Develop, coach, and support a team of managers and hourly associates.
• Collaborate with World Bank stakeholders to maintain a strong client relationship.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-unit operations

Budgeting P&L

Client relationship management

Union environment experience

Hospitality management

Education

Bachelor's in Hospitality Management

Job description

Other Forms of Compensation: Annual Performance Bonus Opportunity (Up to 20% of Base Salary)

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations!Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards- Best Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking a dynamic and collaborative Director of Retail to lead a high-profile hospitality portfolio at the World Bank. This role oversees a diverse retail dining operation serving approximately 3,500 to 4,000 associates daily across 5 cafés and 5 coffee bars. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for a team of approximately 150 union hourly associates, supported by six direct-report managers, while ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and a strong client partnership.

The operation runs on a highly desirable Monday through Friday schedule with holidays off, offering a strong work-life balance within a prestigious corporate dining environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hospitality leader who enjoys balancing business strategy, people development, client engagement, and innovative retail dining experiences within a prestigious corporate environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall retail dining operation across multiple cafés and coffee bar locations.
• Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cost controls, and P&L management.
• Ensure exceptional guest service and consistently high-quality food and beverage experiences.
• Develop, coach, and support a team of managers, supervisors, and hourly associates.
• Foster an inclusive, positive, and engaging workplace culture that supports employee development and retention.
• Partner closely with World Bank stakeholders to maintain a strong and collaborative client relationship.
• Manage labor planning, scheduling, payroll, and staffing strategies to support operational goals.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, food safety programs, union agreements, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with culinary, marketing, and operational teams to introduce innovative retail concepts and programs.
• Analyze business trends and guest feedback to identify opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
• Drive operational efficiencies while maintaining a hospitality-first approach.
• Support hiring, onboarding, performance coaching, recognition, and talent development initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Leadership experience within foodservice, hospitality, retail dining, or a related environment.
• Experience managing high-volume, multi-unit operations.
• Background overseeing financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, and P&L accountability.
• Success leading large, diverse teams in a unionized or structured labor environment is highly valued.
• Strong client relationship management and communication skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on operational leadership.
• Experience implementing service enhancements, retail programs, and operational improvements.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Collaborative leadership style focused on developing people and building high‑performing teams.
• Passion for hospitality, food, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Culinary Arts, or a related field.
• Experience leading retail dining, corporate dining, university dining, airport, hotel, or restaurant operations.
• Experience managing multiple service locations and large‑scale teams.
• Knowledge of labor management, food safety, and operational best practices.

Restaurant Associates 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.

Associates at Restaurant Associates are 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

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC
Job Segment: Payroll, Relationship Manager, Bank, Banking, Finance, Customer Service, Retail