DIR, DINING SERVICES I - RETAIL DINING - NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY - EVANSTON, IL

Compass Group•Evanston, IL

22d•$75,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

Chartwells Higher Education is seeking a self-motivated Director of Dining Service I - Retail for its Northwestern University account in Evanston, Illinois. The role advises and provides hands-on operational support for the day-to-day operations and financial success of one or more campus foodservice locations. The director ensures operations follow contract guidelines, Health Department regulations, company standards, and expectations for food quality, freshness, and presentation. The position leads retail dining operations and supports sales growth, profitability, guest satisfaction, and campus dining needs. It works with university clients and culinary and marketing teams, and leads staff hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management. The job posting lists a salary range of $75,000–$80,000.

Requirements

Six or more years of operational foodservice management experience.
Knowledge of food and catering trends, with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, marketing, and presentation.
Strong leadership abilities and validated experience supervising and developing staff.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively.
Excellent customer service skills and dedication to maintaining high quality standards.
Proficiency in preparing and analyzing financial reports.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Computer experience.
ServSafe® Certified.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead daily operations across multiple retail foodservice concepts, including branded outlets and restaurant operations.
Manage P&L, budgets, forecasts, and food and labor costs, with accountability for retail sales and profitability.
Analyze sales mix, transaction counts, and average check to guide menu, pricing, and promotional decisions.
Grow sales through merchandising, product placement, seasonal promotions, and grab-and-go offerings.
Maintain brand standards for food preparation, portion control, menu execution, presentation, and product availability.
Align staffing and service workflows with peak customer traffic to improve service speed, order accuracy, and guest satisfaction; resolve customer concerns promptly.
Oversee purchasing, inventory, waste reduction, cash handling, sales reconciliation, and operational reporting.
Maintain university client relationships and partner with culinary and marketing teams to deliver quality offerings that meet campus dining needs.
Lead hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management in accordance with company policies and applicable collective bargaining requirements.
Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, allergen management, workplace safety, security, and loss-prevention standards.
Perform other duties as assigned to support efficient dining operations.