QA DIRECTOR - UK HOSPITALITY - LEXINGTON, KY

Job Description

Job Description

At over 300 college & universities around the country,  Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. 

Job Summary

Join Compass Group North America — Be Part of a Transformational Partnership!

Compass Group is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK), launching July 2026—and we’re looking for talented individuals to help bring this innovative, integrated services model to life.

This long-term collaboration reflects a bold vision to align and strengthen services across UK’s campus, healthcare system, and athletics programs. By bringing together foodservice, hospitality, facilities management, and healthcare support, we are building a more connected and dynamic environment that enhances the experience for students, staff, patients, and the broader community.

Working as the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Director with Compass at UK Hospitality at the University of Kentucky - Lexington, you will be directly responsible for the overall food and operational safety of a dynamic food service environment and will be held accountable for and tasked with building the overall safety behaviors of the account. The Director operates the department in accordance with the approved safety standards, while maintaining excellent relationships with employees, guests and Client as well as other departments within the operation.   Most important, the Director will be responsible for building a strong culture of Food and Workplace safety and accountability based on team member education, specifically “whys” to exceed the high standard set within Chartwells.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and provide readiness for Health Division Food Service Inspections, 3rd party Food Safety Audits
• Perform unit level safety audits for residential dining, retail, catering and commissary operations
• Provide written feedback to unit managers, clients and vendor partners, regarding unit observations and assist with implementation of Compass Safety Standards and Solutions Action Plans
• Lead safety management team meetings and perform Safety/QA Training with associates, and one-on-one with management involvement
• Develop, implement and update the Quality Assurance, Food Safety and Emergency Plans
• Provide verification that the safety systems are working daily, identify deficiencies and implement new strategies
• Attend meetings, workshops and special events for safety issues
• Supports Food Allergen Compliance
• Serve as flexible safety specialists as first responders
  
   

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. degree in food technology, food science, or related curriculum and/or experience required, Masters preferred
• At least 10 years of directly related experience required in Quality Assurance and Food Safety
• Experienced in prepared foods
• Prior compliance experience with all Health codes, maintain Health permitting and ServSafe Certifications including professional communication skills with all levels of associates and clients; able to train associates and managers; able to analyze problems and select appropriate solutions
• Ability to maintain ServSafe Certification (90% or higher) (within 90 days as per Compass Standard)
• Previous health permitting, QA and Safety Training experience  
• Attention to detail and ability to help managers to find solutions
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, and professionalism
• Strong data management, reporting, and writing skills
• Strong understand of FSMA is a must
• Proficient in MS Office applications 

Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!

Chartwells Higher Education 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. 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed   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.

-usa.com/wp- content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Req ID: 1553448

Compass Corporate 

CINDY SCHOENFELD 

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