DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES - FOOD SERVICES - Duval

Salary:  $70,000-$80,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Annual Bonus Incentive, Health Benefits, 401K, PTO 

 

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. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary

Are you an energetic, people‑focused leader with a passion for transforming the K‑12 dining experience? We’re seeking a dynamic Director of Dining Services to elevate student dining across a region of 12–14 schools within Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) — part of a dynamic $35M, 147‑school partnership supported by a robust operational team. In this $5–7M regional role, you’ll guide 12–14 lead associates and 50–60 union frontline employees while partnering closely with Area Directors, Executive Chefs, HR, and senior leadership to deliver exceptional food quality, service, and student engagement.

This is a chance to shape the future of dining in one of the most influential K‑12 districts in the Southeast. You’ll inspire teams, champion operational excellence, and bring fresh ideas that create memorable culinary moments for thousands of students each day. With responsibility for P&L performance, labor strategy, food costing, HR leadership, and team accountability, you’ll make a measurable impact on both culture and outcomes — all while helping drive innovation within a high‑visibility, high‑growth Chartwells account.

If you thrive in fast‑paced, multi‑unit environments and love leading empowered, service‑driven teams, this role offers extraordinary career potential. Step into a position that blends purpose, leadership, and creativity — and help redefine what school dining can be.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of Chartwells frontline associates.
• Drive strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and increase profitability.
• Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization.
• Own the annual budget and control costs optimally.
• 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:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Services Management/Hospitality/Culinary or Nutrition degree highly preferred or equivalent experience.**
• Five plus years of foodservice management experience.
• Strong knowledge of high-volume food production and catering trends is preferred.
• Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Experience managing in a union environment, desirable!
• Proficiency in computer skills.

 

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

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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, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.