Dining Services Director

Compass Group • Geneva, IL

20d • $95,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Director of Dining Services is the strategic business leader of the community’s food and beverage and culinary operation. The role is responsible for resident and client satisfaction through consistently high-quality food and best-in-class hospitality, while meeting financial goals and fostering a positive work environment. The director oversees departmental strategy and implementation of Compass Community Living’s service strategy and serves as the face of the company.

The director leads the food and beverage operation, ensuring compliance with health regulations and company standards, managing safety, sanitation, and maintenance programs, and maintaining regular communication across the department. The role also oversees budgets, financial performance, wages, food and beverage costs, and other controllable expenses.

The director builds relationships with residents, staff, clients, and community departments; uses satisfaction results and other data to improve service; and introduces relevant food and beverage offerings. The position leads, coaches, develops, hires, and retains the team while setting goals and promoting a positive, accountable workplace.

Requirements

• Five to seven years of direct foodservice operational management experience, with inventory and purchasing knowledge and control.
• Strong knowledge of food and catering trends, with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, management, and coaching skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with management, clients, customers, and associates.
• Excellent financial, budgetary, accounting, and computational skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, and the Internet.
• ServSafe® certification.

Nice To Haves

• B.S. degree in Food Services Technology/Management or a related field, or an A.A. degree plus four years of directly related experience.
• Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed service experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an operating strategy aligned with Compass Community Living and client business strategies, and communicate expectations to team members.
• Take ownership of business outcomes and hold the on-site leadership team accountable for service behaviors.
• Evaluate personnel, operations, and culinary situations and make appropriate recommendations.
• Conduct daily walk-throughs to ensure compliance with Department of Health regulations and Compass Group standards.
• Direct and conduct safety, sanitation, and maintenance programs.
• Lead pre-meal briefings and staff meetings and maintain timely communication across food and beverage operations.
• Develop the overall budget and operate the account in accordance with the approved budget.
• Coach and support the team in managing wages, food and beverage costs, and controllable expenses.
• Review financial reports and statements, assess performance against budget, and develop plans to improve financial results.
• Build relationships with residents, staff, clients, and other community departments.
• Review resident satisfaction results and other data, communicate feedback, and take corrective action to improve service.
• Mentor, coach, and empower employees to meet resident and client expectations.
• Monitor market trends and introduce food and beverage products to meet resident expectations, increase revenue, and support client satisfaction.
• Establish performance, budget, and team goals; solicit employee feedback and address concerns.
• Identify development needs, provide training and feedback, and support professional growth and cross-training.
• Recruit, hire, train, and retain food and beverage leadership and other talent.
• Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably while holding self and team members accountable.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance and AD
• Disability insurance
• Retirement plan
• Flexible time off
• Paid parental leave
• Holiday time off (varies by site/state)
• Personal leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and wellness programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• May be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off in accordance with applicable laws

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree