Director of School Dining & Culinary Experience

Woodlands Academy; Lake Forest (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodlands Academy seeks a Director of Food Services to lead the dining program for students, faculty, and guests. This hands-on executive role combines culinary expertise with strong operations, budget stewardship, and vendor management in a Catholic, all-girls school setting in Lake Forest, IL.

The Director will shape menus, supervise kitchen staff, ensure food safety, and coordinate with the Business Office and Head of School’s Office to deliver a dignified dining experience aligned with

Qualifications

• Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management degree, or equivalent professional experience.
• ServSafe Certification required.
• Proven institutional or school food service leadership experience.
• Strong budgeting, vendor management, and cost-control abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute menus reflecting nutritional excellence and seasonal variety for boarding and day students, faculty, and staff.
• Oversee kitchen operations, food safety, cleanliness, and equipment maintenance per Health Department rules and ServSafe best practices.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise kitchen staff with clear communication and accountability.
• Coordinate with Residence Life to accommodate dietary requirements and meal attendance for boarders.
• Plan and manage catering for school events with precision and hospitality for faculty and community celebrations.
• Develop and oversee procurement and vendor relationships to balance quality, cost, and waste reduction.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Staff leadership

Food safety

Communication

Organization

Education

Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management degree, or equivalent

Job description

Woodlands Academy seeks a Director of Food Services to lead the dining program for students, faculty, and guests. This hands-on executive role combines culinary expertise with strong operations, budget stewardship, and vendor management in a Catholic, all-girls school setting in Lake Forest, IL.

The Director will shape menus, supervise kitchen staff, ensure food safety, and coordinate with the Business Office and Head of School’s Office to deliver a dignified dining experience aligned with