Food Service Director

Creative Dining; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Food Service Director to lead dining operations at a local college. This hands-on role involves actively participating in meal production and mentoring a dedicated team. The ideal candidate will possess strong culinary management experience, ensuring high standards of quality and safety while engaging with the campus community. Join a company that values servant leadership and team development, and make a significant impact in a vibrant dining environment. If you thrive in a collaborative setting and are ready to inspire others, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in culinary management or as a chef in a high-volume environment.
• Strong leadership skills with a collaborative, hands-on management style.

Responsibilities

• Participate in daily food preparation and production alongside your team.
• Lead by example in maintaining high standards of safety and presentation.
• Hire, train, and develop team members while fostering a supportive environment.

Skills

Culinary Management

Food Safety Standards

Menu Planning

Team Leadership

Budget Management

Education

ServSafe Certification

Allergen Certification

CDM Certification

Job description

Reports to: Operations Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
EEO Category: First/Mid-Level Officials and Managers

Lead by Example. Cook with Passion. Inspire Through Service.

Creative Dining Services is looking for an experienced Food Service Director to lead dining operations at Kuyper College. This is a working manager position—ideal for a passionate culinarian who thrives in a hands-on role, actively supports daily meal production, and enjoys mentoring a small, close-knit team. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and bring excellence to the kitchen and the front line, we want to meet you.

What You’ll Do

Hands-On Culinary Leadership

• Actively participate in daily food preparation and production alongside your team.
• Set the tone for culinary quality, consistency, and creativity.
• Lead by example in maintaining high standards of safety, sanitation, and presentation.
• Work closely with staff to ensure seamless, efficient meal service for the campus community.
• Collaborate on budgets and ensure financial goals are met.
• Analyze operating statements and adjust operations as needed.
• Ensure compliance with purchasing, cost control, and inventory practices.
• Hire, train, and develop team members; foster a supportive and professional environment.
• Create development plans for unit managers using gap analysis tools.
• Promote respect, teamwork, and accountability at all levels.

Client & Campus Engagement

• Maintain open communication with campus partners and ensure client satisfaction.
• Regularly engage with students and staff to build strong relationships and gather feedback.
• Represent Creative Dining with professionalism and enthusiasm.

What You Bring

• Proven experience as a culinary manager or chef in a high-volume, scratch-cooking environment.
• 5+ years relevant experience.
• Strong leadership skills with a collaborative, hands-on management style.
• ServSafe and Allergen Certifications required.
• CDM required for licensed accounts.
• Solid knowledge of food trends, production systems, and menu planning.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

Why Join Creative Dining?

At Creative Dining, we live our Mission, Vision, and Core Values every day. We believe in servant leadership, team development, and delivering outstanding hospitality with heart.

About the company

Creative Dining Services provides a different kind of hospitality and dining management services experience—one that’s fun and focused on your community.