DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES - East St. Louis School District, IL

Compass Group USA Inc•East Saint Louis, IL

58d•$78,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Chartwells at East St. Louis School District, located in East St. Louis, IL, is seeking a dynamic Director of Dining Services to lead our food service team across 10 schools, serving 4,500 students. This is a long-standing, well-established account, and we're looking for a leader with strong catering experience, excellent client relationship skills, and a passion for building lasting partnerships. If you thrive in managing P&L, creating engaging menus, and driving student participation, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact. In this role, you'll lead a dedicated team that includes an Executive Chef, Assistant Director, and 55 frontline associates. You'll work daytime hours (7 AM-4 PM), Monday through Friday, ensuring compliance with NSLP guidelines while fostering innovation and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will bring financial acumen, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to navigate stakeholder relationships with confidence and professionalism. We're looking for someone who can make strategic decisions quickly, communicate clearly, and maintain a strong sense of partnership with district leaders and community members.

Requirements

Minimum of an Associate's degree in Food Services/Management/Hospitality/Culinary/Nutrition necessary or equivalent experience.
Five plus years of foodservice management experience, prefers K12.
Strong knowledge of high-volume food production is preferred.
Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
Proficiency in computer skills.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of Chartwells 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.