Dining Operation and Services Manager

Compass Group•Evanston, IL

3d•$95,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Dining & Operation Services Director leads dining and Global Hub operations, including Catering, Gordon’s Marketplace, and the Coffee Shop. The role is responsible for exceptional service, food quality, client satisfaction, daily operations, financial performance, team leadership, culinary programming, and client relationships. The position works with the Kellogg Facilities team and coordinates operational support for executive education programs, conferences, meetings, and special events. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on leader focused on food service excellence, team development, and creating an engaging, welcoming dining experience.

Requirements

At least 5 years of food service management experience in hospitality, event operations, education services, or a related field.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills.
Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, inventory, cost controls, and overall account profitability.
Strong background in catering, special events, and high-volume food production.
Proven ability to lead and develop teams, manage competing priorities, and execute key initiatives.
Flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, or Business; a bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Union experience.
Some experience with Toast POS, CaterTrax, Excel, and S4 financial systems.
ServSafe certification.
Passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with the Kellogg Facilities team, including the Associate Director and Senior Director of Facilities, to provide operational support and facility services for clients, program managers, faculty, staff, and vendor partners.
Direct the Flik Facilities Manager on Program Assistant team activities, including event setups, furniture moves, and support for executive education programs, conferences, meetings, and special events.
Manage vendor performance and conduct operational evaluations to identify service improvements, operational adjustments, and staffing timelines.
Schedule, organize, and conduct regular weekly and monthly client meetings.
Lead dining services, catering, and special-event food service operations.
Manage and develop associates and managers while fostering a positive, service-focused team culture.
Build and maintain relationships with clients, customers, guests, and internal departments.
Partner with the Executive Chef and culinary team to develop and implement seasonal menus and culinary programs.
Support the Accounting Manager with budgeting, forecasting, invoice processing, daily sales reporting, catering invoicing, and period-end close.
Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and allergen standards and promote a culture of safety.
Lead recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training, and performance management for associates and managers.
Conduct mid-year and annual performance reviews and provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities.
Promote customer engagement through marketing initiatives, menu innovation, promotions, and catering events.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance and AD&D
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
Paid and/or unpaid time off benefits may be available in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.