DIR, DINING SERVICES I - RETAIL DINING - NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY - EVANSTON, IL

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:  $75,000 - $80,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Full Benefits, 401K, and PTO 

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

Chartwells Higher Education is seeking a self-motivated individual for the role of Director of Dining Service I - Retail at our flagship account Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. In this role, you will advise and provide hands-on operational support in the day-to-day operations and financial success of one or more foodservice locations on the campus. This includes adhering to contract guidelines, the Health Department’s regulations, company standards, and expectations of food quality, freshness, and presentation. With Chartwells rapid growth trajectory, there's immense potential for you to advance authoritatively and make an immediate impact on our food service operations.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead daily operations across multiple retail food service concepts, including branded outlets and restaurant operations.
• Manage P&L, budgets, forecasts, and food and labor costs, with accountability for retail sales and profitability.
• Analyze sales mix, transaction counts, and average check to guide menu, pricing, and promotional decisions.
• Grow sales through effective merchandising, product placement, seasonal promotions, and convenient grab-and-go offerings.
• Maintain brand standards for food preparation, portion control, menu execution, presentation, and product availability.
• Align staffing and service workflows with peak customer traffic to improve speed, order accuracy, and guest satisfaction. Resolve customer concerns promptly.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, waste reduction, cash handling, sales reconciliation, and operational reporting.
• Maintain strong university client relationships and partner with culinary and marketing teams to deliver quality offerings that meet campus dining needs.
• Lead hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management, consistent with company policies and applicable collective bargaining requirements.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, allergen management, workplace safety, security, and loss-prevention standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of dining operations.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Associate degree preferred. 
• Six or more years of operational food service management experience. 
• Knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, marketing, and presentation. 
• Strong leadership abilities with validated experience in supervising and developing staff. 
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize optimally. 
• Outstanding customer service skills with a dedication to maintaining high standards of quality. 
• Proficiency in preparing and analyzing financial reports. 
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. 
• Must be experienced with computers. 
• ServSafe® Certified.  

Embark on a dynamic career journey with us, where innovation and creativity thrive, and your contributions make a tangible impact on campus life! Join our team and be part of crafting outstanding dining experiences!

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: 1582706

Chartwells HE 

CINDY SCHOENFELD 

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