DIRECTOR OF DINING SERVICES - South Bend Community School Corp, IN

Director Of Dining Services

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.

Are you a visionary leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and knows how to build strong, trust-based relationships? Chartwells K12 is seeking a Director of Dining Services to oversee a portion of school dining operations within the South Bend Community School Corporation, which serves over 14,000 students across 29 schools and 6 offsite locations. Reporting to the Resident District Manager, you'll collaborate with a team of 27 salaried managers to mentor, train, and guide a dedicated workforce of 150 union associates. You'll lead daily operations in a mix of elementary and middle schools, managing up to 50 union associates and 1 supervisor, while partnering closely with school leaders, students, and staff to create a welcoming and impactful dining experience. This role is perfect for someone who brings energy, clarity, and a student-first mindset to everything they do.

You'll be a hands-on leader, ensuring compliance with USDA regulations while championing a culture of excellence, inclusion, and joy. At the heart of your work is a commitment to nourishing students with wholesome, delicious meals served in a fun and spirited environment that celebrates community and fuels learning. If you're passionate about transforming school dining into a vibrant part of the educational experience, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference.

This role is perfect for individuals who effortlessly establish connections with others and have a background in managing multi-unit operations. You'll play a key role in hiring, mentoring, and coaching team members to build a high-performing, motivated workforce. A day in the life includes being a hands-on leader, ensuring compliance with USDA regulations, and staying highly visible and engaged in the school community. Keys to success include being student-focused, client-driven, and committed to supporting your staff with a can-do demeanor and a willingness to roll up your sleeves. We're looking for someone who can bring rigor and focus, and push the team forward with clarity and purpose. If you're energized by the idea of redefining school dining and making a lasting impact in your community, this is the perfect position for you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of union associates.
• Drive strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and increase profitability.
• Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization.
• Assist with annual budget and control costs.
• Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Build strong relationships with clients, customers, and associates.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Multi unit experience highly preferred!
• Three plus years of foodservice management experience.
• Solid understanding of high-volume food production and catering trends is preferred.
• Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
• Outstanding leadership and communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer skills.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all applicants and associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, holiday time off, associate shopping program, health and wellness programs, discount marketplace, identity theft protection, pet insurance, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, paid parental leave, and personal leave.