About The Position

Ready to take your hospitality career to the next level? Chartwells Higher Education is looking for an innovative Director of Operations - Catering to drive catering and sales excellence at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN. This key leadership role oversees a diverse portfolio that includes athletics concessions, premium hospitality spaces, food trucks, camps, conferences, and catered events of all sizes. You'll lead every aspect of event execution, from client consultation and planning through flawless delivery, all while ensuring compliance with company standards and regulations. Join a company that is growing fast, investing in its people, and creating opportunities for leaders who want to shape the future of campus dining and hospitality.

Requirements

  • Five years of foodservice management experience required
  • Higher Education experience in board and retail operations is required
  • Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is required
  • Knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, marketing, and presentation.
  • Strong leadership abilities with validated experience in supervising and developing staff.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize optimally.
  • Outstanding customer service skills with a dedication to maintaining high standards of quality.
  • Proficiency in preparing and analyzing financial reports.
  • ServSafe® Certified.

Nice To Haves

  • BS degree preferred
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

  • Formulates budgets and plans for the operation
  • Maintains and implements standards of quality in all areas of the foodservice operation
  • Ensures compliance with all regional and account programs and policies
  • Accountable for accurate reporting for the account
  • Maintain client and customer happiness by ensuring food quality and customer service standards are met consistently.
  • Supervise the hiring, training, and development of staff to uphold excellence in service and food quality.
  • Prepare and complete all vital daily, weekly, and financial reports, including those related to food and labor costs.
  • Ensure compliance with all quality and food safety standards to guarantee the health and safety of our customers.
  • Champion strong client relationships to align our programs with their objectives, driving happiness and retention.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of dining operations.

Benefits

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k
  • PTO
  • Annual Incentive Plan
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • 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
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