Director of Retail

Compass Group•WASHINGTON, DC

10d•$115,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

Restaurant Associates is seeking a dynamic and collaborative Director of Retail to lead a high-profile hospitality portfolio at the World Bank. This role oversees a diverse retail dining operation serving approximately 3,500 to 4,000 associates daily across 5 cafés and 5 coffee bars. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for a team of approximately 150 union hourly associates, supported by six direct-report managers, while ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and a strong client partnership. The operation runs on a highly desirable Monday through Friday schedule with holidays off, offering a strong work-life balance within a prestigious corporate dining environment. This is an exciting opportunity for a hospitality leader who enjoys balancing business strategy, people development, client engagement, and innovative retail dining experiences within a prestigious corporate environment.

Requirements

Leadership experience within foodservice, hospitality, retail dining, or a related environment.
Experience managing high-volume, multi-unit operations.
Background overseeing financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, and P&L accountability.
Success leading large, diverse teams in a unionized or structured labor environment is highly valued.
Strong client relationship management and communication skills.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership.
Experience implementing service enhancements, retail programs, and operational improvements.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Collaborative leadership style focused on developing people and building high-performing teams.
Passion for hospitality, food, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Culinary Arts, or a related field.
Experience leading retail dining, corporate dining, university dining, airport, hotel, or restaurant operations.
Experience managing multiple service locations and large-scale teams.
Knowledge of labor management, food safety, and operational best practices.

Responsibilities

Lead the overall retail dining operation across multiple cafés and coffee bar locations.
Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cost controls, and P&L management.
Ensure exceptional guest service and consistently high-quality food and beverage experiences.
Develop, coach, and support a team of managers, supervisors, and hourly associates.
Foster an inclusive, positive, and engaging workplace culture that supports employee development and retention.
Partner closely with World Bank stakeholders to maintain a strong and collaborative client relationship.
Manage labor planning, scheduling, payroll, and staffing strategies to support operational goals.
Ensure compliance with company standards, food safety programs, union agreements, and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with culinary, marketing, and operational teams to introduce innovative retail concepts and programs.
Analyze business trends and guest feedback to identify opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
Drive operational efficiencies while maintaining a hospitality-first approach.
Support hiring, onboarding, performance coaching, recognition, and talent development initiatives.