SR Director, DINING Services - Ypsilianti Community School District, MI

Chartwells K12. 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.

Sr. Director of Dining Services – Ypsilanti Community Schools (MI)

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Sr. Director of Dining Services to lead a long‑tenured K‑12 dining program for Ypsilanti Community Schools
, serving approximately 3,200 students across 12 schools
. This role requires strong leadership skills to navigate a challenging district while overseeing all USDA programs—Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, and Supper—and driving innovative initiatives such as Mood Boost, Global Eats, Student Choice, and Discover Kitchen
. You will manage a large, unionized team of up to 40 client frontline associates
, supported by a dedicated Executive Chef and Assistant Director, ensuring operational excellence and exceptional service delivery.

As the Sr. Director, you will be the strategic and hands‑on leader who sets the standard for quality and creativity. From managing satellite programs for these 12 locations to fostering client relationships and implementing engaging dining experiences, you’ll balance high‑level planning with “boots on the ground” leadership. This position demands multitasking at a high level, inspiring your team, and creating a culture of accountability and innovation that meets the needs of students and staff across the district.

• Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of salaried managers and 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

• Bachelor's degree in Food Services Technology/Management/Hospitality preferred or equivalent experience.
• Five plus years of food service 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.
• Proficiency in computer skills.
• Bachelor's degree and minimum of three (3) years of management experience, preferably in food service, hospitality management, plant operations management, environmental services, laundry, or other Support Services area.
• Well‑versed in food service management with a proven track record of success, ideally in K12 food service.
• Has proven track record of leading a business and a team, strong customer service, and good business and financial acumen.
• Demonstrates strong initiative, critical thinking, ownership, communication (listening, written, and verbal), multi‑tasking, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Champions the inclusion mindset, and is proactive, positive, professional, and resilient.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and POS software.

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA.

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…