SENIOR CATERING DIRECTOR - UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY - LEXINGTON, KY

Job Description

Job Description

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

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 1, 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.

If you’re passionate about innovation, service excellence, and being part of something bigger, we invite you to explore career opportunities with Compass at the University of Kentucky.

Our Senior Catering Director will be responsible for developing and driving catering solutions to meet our customer needs, while working closely with the Executive Chef on menu development. Events encompass a diverse spectrum, spanning from coffee services to exclusive VIP dining occasions, hosted both on-campus and off-campus.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Coordinate and oversee both internal and external catering events to ensure seamless execution and outstanding customer happiness.
• Develop and maintain the catering marketing plan, offering clients a comprehensive event planning service and detailed menu development that aligns with their needs and preferences.
• Lead the hiring, training, and scheduling of catering staff, actively contributing to the development of existing catering staff in service techniques, menu presentation, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure the successful operations of catering functions, including meticulous control over labor and food costs, and be responsible for preparation, transportation, setup, operation, and cleanup of all events.
• Collaborate with the Management and Chartwells Marketing teams to implement effective strategies sought at building catering revenue and growing market reach.
• Foster strong client relationships to align our programs with their objectives, driving happiness and retention.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of dining service operations. 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Associate's degree preferred.  
• Minimum of five years of experience in catering leadership including two years in management.
• Proven experience in booking, selecting, and costing menu items, pricing contracts, and sourcing temporary help and equipment.
• Strong ability to supervise food preparation, service, and cleanup, ensuring high-quality standards are consistently met.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be experienced with computers.
• ServSafe® Certified.  

Apply to Compass Group today!

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. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

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)

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_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf

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

Req ID: 1533862

Compass Corporate 

CINDY SCHOENFELD 

[[req_classification]]