REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - K12 FOOD SERVICE - LOUISIANA AND MISSISSIPPI

Compass Group Canada; New Orleans (LA); Remote; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service management company is seeking a Regional Director of Operations to oversee a multi-unit operation across Louisiana and Mississippi. This role involves strategic leadership, financial oversight, and client partnership management within K-12 food services. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of senior-level experience and a strong background in managing significant portfolios. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits offered.

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Commuter Benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of senior-level leadership in food service operations.
• Experience managing a $50M+ portfolio.
• Background in K-12 food service preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for District Managers across multiple districts.
• Oversee compliance, quality assurance, and financial performance.
• Lead and mentor management teams to develop future leaders.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Client relationship management

Leadership

P&L responsibility

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Position Title: REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - K12 FOOD SERVICE - LOUISIANA AND MISSISSIPPI

Pay Grade:18

Salary: $140,000 - $150,000

Other Forms of Compensation:Up to 30% bonus potential

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent.

Job Summary

Chartwells K12 is seeking a dynamic Regional Director of Operations to lead and inspire our teams across Louisiana and Mississippi. This senior leadership role oversees a multi-unit, contract-managed food service operation with an annual managed volume exceeding $50 million. The Regional Director will drive operational excellence, deliver financial results, and strengthen client partnerships while ensuring every student receives nutritious meals that fuel learning and success.

This is a remote-based opportunity, ideally located in the New Orleans or Baton Rouge area, or in the Jackson, MS or surrounding areas.

What You’ll Do

Provide strategic leadership and direction for District Managers, Resident District Managers, and Directors of Dining Services across multiple school districts.

Oversee all aspects of food service management including compliance, quality assurance, client satisfaction, and financial performance.

Partner with district leaders and clients to ensure strong relationships, contract retention, and innovative program delivery.

Lead and mentor management teams to develop future leaders and maintain a culture of excellence.

Manage budgets, financial analysis, and reporting for a large, complex region.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives in operations, service delivery, and client engagement.

What We’re Looking For

Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience.

Minimum 5 years of senior-level leadership in multi-unit, contract-managed food service operations.

Proven experience managing a $50M+ portfolio, with strong P&L responsibility.

Background in K-12 food service strongly preferred.

Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and client relationship skills.

Demonstrated ability to inspire large teams, deliver results, and retain contracts in a competitive environment.

This is a rare opportunity to make a significant impact at scale—leading a region that serves thousands of students daily, while building strong partnerships and driving operational success across Louisiana and Mississippi.

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Chartwells Schools 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.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• 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
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave