Director of Operations - K12 District Partnership

Compass Group • NC

121d

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. As Director of Operations, you’ll be the district’s trusted operating partner—co‑creating strategy, influencing decisions, and turning insights into programs that elevate student dining at scale.

Requirements

• Established record of leading large, complex, multi‑site contract food service (education/healthcare/B&I/hospitality).
• Proven client partnership and influence with public‑sector stakeholders; strong executive presence and communication.
• Track record in cost containment, KPI management, and program implementation at scale.
• K‑12 nutrition & USDA compliance expertise strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Nice To Haves

• Five to ten years of progressive management & leadership with a proven record of cost containment in a large, complex organization.
• Visionary leader with strong management, planning, and communication skills; able to see interconnections between operating units.
• Proven success in client relationship management, financial oversight, influencing without authority, and team development.
• General business acumen; excellent interpersonal skills.
• High customer‑service and quality orientation with great communication skills and public speaking ability.
• Ability to multi‑task, establish priorities, and stay organized in a fast‑paced, changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Build executive‑level trust with district leaders; set a joint roadmap, run QBRs, and turn data into clear, persuasive narratives that drive action.
• Lead multi‑site operations and full P&L for a large scope; deliver productivity, quality, and margin.
• Coach managers, shape district‑wide training, and build a strong leadership bench with a client committed to staff development.
• Pilot new service models, menus, tech, and processes; standardize what works across schools.
• Drive USDA/state compliance, food safety, audit readiness, and consistent execution across culinary, procurement, HR, and finance.
• Manage overall leadership for all departmental functions, including managing, planning, directing, and evaluating departmental operations.
• Provide fiscal oversight of operations and financial reports to the Area Director; recommend and evaluate cost‑control compliance.
• Identify new and innovative ways to reduce labor and material costs.
• Directly supervise and maintain responsibility for your unit; direct the efforts of and supervise management and other staff members.
• Participate in the development of short‑term and long‑term departmental goals and objectives.
• Provide advice and input on the administration of district‑wide programs and initiatives that involve the Company.
• Monitor, evaluate, and advise on process development, compliance, and internal controls; provide information and reporting to management.
• Advise on developing and implementing new policies or revisions to existing policies.

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: Director
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees