DIRECTOR OF DINING SERVICES - K12 Hazelwood School District - FLORISSANT, MO

Compass Group • Florissant, MO

91d

About The Position

Chartwells K12 is seeking a passionate and energetic Director of Dining Services to help launch and lead food service operations for the Hazelwood School District in Florissant, Missouri, serving approximately 16,000 students across 32 schools. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a brand-new account from day one, crafting the future of school dining in a vibrant and diverse district. Reporting to a dynamic Resident District Manager, this role will collaborate with a skilled Executive Chef, a creative Marketing Manager, and a fellow Director of Dining Services to deliver outstanding student-focused nutrition programs. The Director will also help lead, mentor and train up to 120 frontline associates, ensuring smooth operations, high-quality service, and a positive team culture. The focus is on creating meaningful food experiences through innovative programs like Global Eats, Student Choice, Discovery Kitchen, and Mood Boost, while also supporting district-wide catering initiatives. We're looking for a hands-on leader with a strong operational mindset, a passion for hospitality, and the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and school leadership. A strong and positive communicator is key to success in this role—someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is excited to make a lasting impact on how students experience food at school.

Requirements

• B.S. Degree in Food Services Technology/Hospitality/Culinary/Business or a related field is preferred
• 3+ 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
• Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed service experience is desirable
• Strong supervisory, leadership, management and coaching skills
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to communicate on various levels to include management, client, customer and associate levels
• Excellent financial, budgetary, accounting and computational skills
• Proficient computer skills to include; various computer programs, Microsoft Office programs, e-mail and the Internet
• ServSafe® Certified

Responsibilities

• Manages hourly associates in the Food Service Department
• Oversees the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the account
• Interviews, hires, and trains associates; plans, assigns, and directs work; appraises performance; rewards and disciplines associates; addresses complaints and resolves problems
• Prepares and manages annual budget
• Utilize company systems for completion of required daily/weekly/monthly reports such as inventory, cash reports, production records, payroll/time-keeping, etc.
• Oversees and participates in the preparation and service of food and beverage items in adherence to company food standards for preparation, presentation, sanitation and safety (meeting HACCP and OSHA guidelines) and portion control
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree