Strategic Catering Director – Higher Education

Compass Group USA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Chartwells Higher Education in New York, NY is seeking a dynamic Catering Director to lead strategic direction, financial performance, and operations for all campus catering services. You will partner with campus stakeholders and Compass leadership to deliver data-driven catering programs and drive revenue growth.

The role requires senior leadership experience in catering/hospitality, strong financial acumen, and a track record of managing high-volume operations in higher education or

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Hospitality, Business, or related field preferred
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Expertise in menu engineering and cost control
• Experience in market analysis and strategic planning

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for Catering Sales, Operations, and Production teams
• Lead, develop, and mentor managers and frontline associates
• Build and sustain an inclusive high-performing team culture
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, workforce planning, and succession development
• Drive performance management, coaching, and engagement initiatives
• Serve as the primary client-facing liaison for Chartwells catering services
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and debriefs with campus stakeholders
• Review past event performance using data and feedback to drive improvements
• Plan future events aligned with client goals and campus needs
• Build partnerships with campus departments, faculty, and administration

Skills

Leadership experience

Client relationship management

Financial acumen

Data interpretation

Menu engineering

Strategic planning

Presentation skills

Team development

Multi-site operations

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field preferred

Job description

Chartwells Higher Education in New York, NY is seeking a dynamic Catering Director to lead strategic direction, financial performance, and operations for all campus catering services. You will partner with campus stakeholders and Compass leadership to deliver data-driven catering programs and drive revenue growth.

The role requires senior leadership experience in catering/hospitality, strong financial acumen, and a track record of managing high-volume operations in higher education or