Chartwells K12 is seeking a passionate and experienced Director of Dining Services to lead food service operations for Wiseburn Unified School District and Da Vinci Charter Schools in Hawthorne, California. This role supports approximately 4,700 students across 11 schools, with a combined managed volume of $2.7 million. It’s a unique opportunity to shape the dining experience in a vibrant, innovative educational community that values student engagement and wellness.

In this role, you’ll partner with an Executive Chef to lead a team of up to 19 frontline associates, ensuring smooth operations, high-quality service, and a positive team culture. You’ll bring to life engaging programs like Global Eats, Student Choice, Discovery Kitchen, and Mood Boost, while also supporting district-wide catering initiatives. We’re looking for a hands-on leader with strong operational and financial acumen, who can coach and develop teams, build trust with school partners, and drive results through innovation and accountability.

The ideal candidate will have a solid background in K-12 food service leadership, a passion for culinary excellence, and a desire to make a lasting impact on how students experience food at school. Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and professionalism are key, along with a deep understanding of compliance, budgeting, and student-centered programming. If you're ready to lead with purpose and creativity in a dynamic school environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manages 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Food Services Hospitality/Culinary/Nutrition
• 5+ 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