DIRECTOR OF SIGNATURE SERVICE - CHARTWELLS HIGHER EDUCATION

Compass Group•Charlotte, NC

2d•$135,000 - $150,000

About The Position

At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success. We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. Job SummaryThe Director of Signature Service will be the driving force behind our mission to create emotion, build loyalty, and effectuate greatness through consistently extraordinary service experiences. This role is responsible for shaping a customer-centric service culture that empowers and engages associates, develops leaders, and ensures every interaction reflects our values and brand promise. Through innovative coaching, dynamic leadership, and field-level support, the Director of Signature Service will champion a culture where integrity, respect, empathy, belonging, and empowerment guide daily actions. The ultimate goal: to redefine dining with unforgettable flavors, standout hospitality, and a team that transforms every meal into a memorable experience worth returning for more. This role should be based near a major airport and will require 30% travel.

Requirements

Proven senior leadership experience in hospitality, foodservice, or customer experience-driven industries.
Track record of building and sustaining high-performing, customer-centric service cultures.
Strong background in leadership development, coaching, and training program design.
Exceptional communication and storytelling ability; inspires both frontline teams and executive peers.
Passion for hospitality, with a belief in the transformative power of service to create loyalty and elevate brand value.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a balance of strategic vision and hands-on execution.

Responsibilities

Provide Service Excellence Leadership.
Develop and execute a holistic Signature Service strategy that drives consistent, elevated guest experiences across all operations.
Serve as the champion of our service values, embedding integrity, respect, empathy, belonging, and empowerment into every level of the organization.
Redefine the dining experience by blending culinary excellence with hospitality that creates deep emotional connections with guests.
Foster a service culture where associates are empowered, engaged, and feel authentically connected to the brand.
Drive initiatives that build a sense of belonging and pride, ensuring our teams live our values in extraordinary ways.
Partner with HR and Operations to implement recognition, rewards, and engagement programs that reinforce behaviors aligned with service excellence.
Equip leaders at all levels with the tools, training, and resources to deliver exceptional service.
Lead coaching initiatives to strengthen leadership capability in service delivery and guest engagement.
Develop and sustain programs for ongoing skill-building in hospitality, emotional intelligence, and guest connection.
Provide on-the-ground support to operational leaders to ensure service culture is embedded and consistently executed.
Create and deliver practical tools, playbooks, and resources that make excellence repeatable and scalable.
Partner with cross-functional leaders to align service initiatives with culinary, marketing, and operations strategies.