DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES - Jerome Joint School District, ID

Compass Group•Jerome, ID

3d•$70,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. This is a great opportunity for a hands-on Director of Dining Services to lead a K-12 program serving approximately 4,000 students across seven schools. This Monday–Friday role (8:00 AM–4:00 PM) focuses on strong daily execution of meal service, with the chance to grow a catering program. You’ll partner with an engaged client and use the summer months for planning, innovation, and setting your team up for success. The onsite team includes a Director and Administrative Assistant, with interim support helping to strengthen operations. You’ll lead up to 40 frontline associates, owning day-to-day staff management, menu planning, and client relationships. We’re looking for a confident, self-driven leader with K-12 experience preferred, or a background in institutional dining (colleges, corrections, healthcare) or high-volume food service. Strong communication, a balanced leadership style, and the ability to work independently are critical. This person should be a proactive problem-solver who can manage P&L, execute programs, and build a positive team culture. Candidates should be adaptable, growth-focused, and comfortable using Compass tools. Spanish-speaking is a strong plus.

Requirements

K-12 experience preferred, or a background in institutional dining (colleges, corrections, healthcare) or high-volume food service.
Strong communication skills.
Balanced leadership style.
Ability to work independently.
Proactive problem-solver.
Ability to manage P&L.
Ability to execute programs.
Ability to build a positive team culture.
Adaptable.
Growth-focused.
Comfortable using Compass tools.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition/Management/Hospitality/Culinary preferred or equivalent experience.
K12 food service management experience
Five plus years of foodservice management experience.
Strong knowledge of high-volume food production and (catering trends) is preferred.
Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
Proficiency in computer skills.
Bilingual - English & Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of 35 frontline associates.
Drive strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and increase profitability.
Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization.
Own the annual budget and control costs optimally.
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.