DISTRICT MANAGER - FOOD SERVICE - REMOTE (NC, SC, GA, AL)

District Manager (DM) Opportunity

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

Working as a District Manager (DM) for Chartwells Higher Ed, you will serve as a strategic operational leader across a portfolio of higher education dining accounts in NC, SC, GA, and AL. This role provides hands-on leadership to drive operational excellence, financial performance, client satisfaction, and team development. You will serve as a key resource to Regional Leadership and act as a brand ambassador across your territory.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, business-savvy leader with strong financial acumen, proven multi-unit foodservice experience, and a passion for developing high-performing teams.

** This position will require extensive travel.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational & Financial Excellence
• Lead daily operations across multiple accounts, ensuring food quality, service standards, and compliance with safety regulations.
• Improve operational performance by emphasizing important metrics, tracking financials, and implementing strategic cost control efforts.
• Conduct regular site visits to assess quality, operational efficiency, and team engagement.
• Support implementation and tracking of strategic operational initiatives and continuous improvement plans.
• Coordinate inventory, P&L management, forecasting, and budget accuracy.
• Client & Business Growth
• Build and maintain positive relationships with campus clients and community collaborators.
• Partner with Sales and Retention teams to support contract extensions, upsell opportunities, and new business development.
• Participate in negotiations, RFPs, and customer engagement strategies.
• Serve as the main contact for advanced client concerns and contract compliance.
• People & Culture Leadership
• Recruit, mentor, and support Resident District Managers and Directors of Dining Services across your accounts.
• Lead talent development, performance evaluations, succession planning, and culture-building initiatives.
• Foster a workplace culture that emphasizes inclusion, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Ensure adherence to collective bargaining agreements, labor standards, and HR policies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in multi-unit foodservice, hospitality, or operations leadership, with at least 5 years of progressive experience.
• Strong financial literacy and experience managing P&L performance.
• Demonstrated ability to build client relationships and influence outcomes.
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced, complex environment with multiple collaborators.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and strategic problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the assigned region.
• Experience with contract services and union labor environments.
• Strong understanding of food safety, compliance, and QA protocols.
• Proven track record of operational transformation and team development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data reporting tools.

Chartwells Higher Education 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.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.

• 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.