DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES - Parkrose School District - Portland, OR

Compass Group•Portland, OR

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Parkrose School District in Portland, OR is seeking a high-energy, culinary-focused Director of Dining Services to lead food service operations across six schools serving approximately 3,500 students. This role is responsible for overseeing all dining programs, including breakfast, lunch, snack, supper, and summer feeding, while ensuring strong operational execution, consistency, and a positive experience for students and staff. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader to bring fresh culinary ideas and elevate the overall dining program within a well-established district. We are looking for a people-centered leader with strong communication skills, proven K-12 experience, and a solid culinary background. The ideal candidate will be comfortable managing multi-site operations, leading teams, and building strong relationships across the district. This role requires someone who is approachable, engaging, and passionate about creating a welcoming environment while maintaining high food quality and service standards across all six schools.

Requirements

Proven K-12 experience
Solid culinary background
Comfortable managing multi-site operations
Leading teams
Building strong relationships across the district
Approachable, engaging, and passionate about creating a welcoming environment
Maintaining high food quality and service standards across all six schools
Exceptional leadership skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Proficiency in computer skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Food Services/Management/Hospitality/Culinary/Nutrition preferred
Two plus years of foodservice management experience, K12 experience is HIGHLY preferred.
Knowledge of high-volume food production is preferred.
Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of frontline associates.
Drive critical initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and increase profitability.
Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization.
Oversees the annual budget and control costs.
Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
Build strong relationships with clients, customers, and associates.
Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.