What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Sustainability, Procurement & Community Engagement - UK Lexington position at Compass Group USA?
Compass Corporate
A Family Of Companies And Experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
Job Summary
Director, Sustainability, Procurement & Community Engagement
University of Kentucky Enterprise | Compass Group
Make an Impact Where It Matters
At Compass Group, we believe food can do more than nourish—it can strengthen communities, advance sustainability, and create lasting local impact. This role offers the opportunity to build a flagship, community-integrated sustainability model across the University of Kentucky enterprise while serving in a high-visibility position with executive and client exposure. It is a chance to deliver meaningful, measurable impact across a major enterprise account.
We are seeking a strategic, high-impact Director of Sustainability, Procurement & Community Engagement to lead sustainability, local procurement, and community engagement across a complex, multi-site operation.
This leader will shape strategy, drive execution, and build partnerships that elevate local Kentucky suppliers and community-based programs—creating visible results for the client, the business, and the communities we serve.
What You’ll Do
Lead Sustainability Strategy
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.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates At Corporate Are Offered Many Fantastic Benefits.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1538445
Compass Corporate
CINDY SCHOENFELD
[[req_classification]]
A Family Of Companies And Experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
Job Summary
Director, Sustainability, Procurement & Community Engagement
University of Kentucky Enterprise | Compass Group
Make an Impact Where It Matters
At Compass Group, we believe food can do more than nourish—it can strengthen communities, advance sustainability, and create lasting local impact. This role offers the opportunity to build a flagship, community-integrated sustainability model across the University of Kentucky enterprise while serving in a high-visibility position with executive and client exposure. It is a chance to deliver meaningful, measurable impact across a major enterprise account.
We are seeking a strategic, high-impact Director of Sustainability, Procurement & Community Engagement to lead sustainability, local procurement, and community engagement across a complex, multi-site operation.
This leader will shape strategy, drive execution, and build partnerships that elevate local Kentucky suppliers and community-based programs—creating visible results for the client, the business, and the communities we serve.
What You’ll Do
Lead Sustainability Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with client and company priorities
- Drive initiatives across waste reduction, responsible sourcing, energy, water conservation and food recovery
- Measure impact and deliver clear, compelling reporting to leadership and clients
- Develop and implement a strategy for utilizing local (Kentucky) suppliers across the enterprise
- Collaborate with Foodbuy, sector procurement leads, to onboard local suppliers, including facilitating access to Foodbuy's Grow with Us program and Supplier Accelerator Program
- Collaborate with the Kentucky Extension Network to advance community development initiatives, including participation in Bluegrass Buying Power (GPO) and food and wellness mobile truck programs
- Build and sustain partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders
- Integrate community engagement into sustainability programming to enhance overall impact
- Partner cross-functionally with operations, procurement, culinary, marketing, and leadership teams
- Serve as a visible thought partner and advocate for sustainability and community impact, inspiring stakeholders at all levels of the organization
- Increased spend with Kentucky-based suppliers and growth in local vendor partnerships
- Expanded participation in community programs and measurable community impact
- Strong performance against sustainability KPIs and client expectations
- Elevated visibility of UK as a leader in sustainability and community engagement
- Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, business, nutrition, hospitality, communications, or a related field
- Desired 8-10 years of professional experience in sustainability, project management, or hospitality industry operations
- Strong understanding of environmental regulations and sustainability best practices
- Project Management experience strongly preferred
- Good analytical skills with a strong attention to detail
- Advanced written and oral communication skills including public speaking
- Strong presentation and time management skills, strong management and outstanding interpersonal skills Culinary and/or food service experience preferred
- Experience working with the Kentucky Cooperative Extension and / Food Connection program is a plus
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.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates At Corporate Are Offered Many Fantastic Benefits.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1538445
Compass Corporate
CINDY SCHOENFELD
[[req_classification]]