Head of School Dining & Nutrition Programs

Compass Group USA; Grosse Pointe Woods (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Director of Dining Services at University Liggett School, a Flik Independent School Dining operation within Compass Group USA, leads all dining operations, ensuring outstanding service and food quality for 600 students, faculty, and guests.

This strategic, hands‑on role oversees budgeting, scheduling, recruitment, and performance management, collaborating with the Executive Chef to drive seasonal menus, marketing, and events that engage the school community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of dynamic food service management experience, preferably in school dining, contract services, or high‑volume hospitality.
• Confirmed experience leading budgets, financial reporting, and cost controls.
• Strong background in catering, special events, and high‑volume food production.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams, handle deadlines, and implement critical initiatives.
• ServSafe Certification preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering an outstanding dining experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for all food service operations, including student dining, catering, and special events.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, school administrators, students, and guests, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and culinary team to design and implement seasonal menus and new culinary programs.
• Lead all financial aspects of the account including budgeting, forecasting, invoice processing, daily sales reporting, catering invoicing, and period‑end closing.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and allergen protocols; champion a culture of safety for associates and guests.
• Conduct daily pre‑service meetings to align the team on expectations, service standards, and key updates.
• Lead recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, training, and performance management for dining associates.
• Conduct mid‑year and annual performance reviews; provide mentorship, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Drive participation and customer engagement through marketing, menu innovation, promotional events, and catering showcases.
• Ensure high standards of service, cleanliness, and presentation across all dining areas.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

Budget & financial acumen

Event planning

Education

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

ServSafe Certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams)

Job description

Director of Dining Services at University Liggett School, a Flik Independent School Dining operation within Compass Group USA, leads all dining operations, ensuring outstanding service and food quality for 600 students, faculty, and guests.

This strategic, hands‑on role oversees budgeting, scheduling, recruitment, and performance management, collaborating with the Executive Chef to drive seasonal menus, marketing, and events that engage the school community.