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DIRECTOR OF DINING SERVICES - K12 FOOD SERVICE - KIPP School District - HOUSTON, TX

Chartwells School Dining Services K12
Houston, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 7/6/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/1/2026
Chartwells K12

Salary:

Other Forms of Compensation: MEDICAL, DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE, PTO, 401k

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 a passionate, people-focused leader who thrives in fast-paced food service environments? KIPP Public Schools in Houston is seeking a Director of Dining Services to help lead a dynamic K-12 dining program serving more than 22,000 students across 14 campuses. This is an exciting opportunity to join a mission-driven team dedicated to delivering exceptional food, outstanding service, and memorable experiences that positively impact students every day.

Reporting to the Regional District Manager, you'll play a critical role in supporting operations across 32 feeding locations and 3 commissary kitchens while helping lead a team of up to 166 Chartwells associates. Working alongside the Executive Chef and fellow leadership team members, you'll drive operational excellence, foster employee engagement, support client relationships, and ensure the successful execution of daily dining operations. If you're a collaborative, hands-on leader who enjoys developing talent, solving challenges, and making a meaningful difference in the communities you serve, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manages salaried managers and hourly associates in the Food Service Department
  • Oversees the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the account
  • Interviews, hires, and trains associates; plans, assigns, and directs work; appraises performance; rewards and disciplines associates; addresses complaints and resolves problems
  • Prepares and manages annual budget
  • Utilize company systems for completion of required daily/weekly/monthly reports such as inventory, cash reports, production records, payroll/time-keeping, etc.
  • Oversees and participates in the preparation and service of food and beverage items in adherence to company food standards for preparation, presentation, sanitation and safety (meeting HACCP and OSHA guidelines) and portion control
  • Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

  • B.S. Degree in Food Services, Nutrition, Culinary or the Hospitality field; or A.A. Degree plus four years of directly related experience preferred
  • Five plus years of direct foodservice operational management experience with inventory and purchasing knowledge and control
  • Strong knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed service experience is desirable
  • Strong supervisory, leadership, management and coaching skills
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to communicate on various levels to include management, client, customer and associate levels
  • Excellent financial, budgetary, accounting and computational skills
  • Proficient computer skills to include; various computer programs, Microsoft Office programs, e-mail and the Internet
  • ServSafe® Certified

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

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.

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.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • 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

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Req ID: 1547548

Chartwells K12

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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Salary.com Estimation for DIRECTOR OF DINING SERVICES - K12 FOOD SERVICE - KIPP School District - HOUSTON, TX in Houston, TX
$84,931 to $109,234
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