Food Service Director

Job Description

Job Description

Food Service Director

Calvin University | Grand Rapids, MI | Full-Time

About Creative Dining Services

Creative Dining Services is a hospitality and food-service management company headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan. We partner with organizations across the country, including corporate offices, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and senior living communities. Our focus goes beyond providing meals; we create memorable dining experiences, build relationships, and bring people together through hospitality.

Where everyone has a seat at the table.

About the Role

Creative Dining Services is seeking a Food Service Director to lead dining operations at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this role, you'll oversee daily operations, develop and support your management team, and ensure an exceptional dining experience while meeting financial and operational goals. You'll be responsible for budgeting, cost control, team development, quality assurance, and client relationships, helping create a successful and sustainable dining program.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Dining Operations: Oversee daily operations, monitor performance, and ensure food quality, service, safety, sanitation, and company standards are consistently maintained.
• Manage Financial Performance: Develop and manage budgets, monitor sales and profits, review financial reports, identify opportunities for improvement, and maintain responsible cost controls.
• Develop Your Team: Hire, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate managers and staff while identifying development opportunities and supporting professional growth.
• Maintain Compliance: Ensure team members follow company policies, employment regulations, food safety requirements, sanitation standards, and required training programs.
• Monitor Quality and Performance: Review key performance indicators, conduct quality assurance audits, address operational concerns, and implement corrective action plans when needed.
• Build Strong Client Relationships: Communicate regularly with clients and the Operations Director, prepare business reviews, share financial updates, and support long-term account retention.
• Support Marketing and Merchandising: Plan and evaluate marketing initiatives, merchandising programs, and new products or procedures that enhance the dining experience and support business goals.
• Promote Clear Communication: Lead regular team meetings, communicate company updates and initiatives, and maintain professional, timely communication with clients and colleagues.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Evaluate operational processes, identify opportunities to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction, and recommend practical solutions.
• Maintain Accurate Reporting: Ensure financial records, operational reports, meeting summaries, and other required documentation are completed accurately and on time.

What You’ll Bring

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, or a related field, or at least 10 years of successful management experience in lieu of a degree. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• ServSafe certification.
• Allergen certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams.
• Experience developing, managing, and adhering to budgets.
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in Management, Hospitality, or a related field.
• Experience facilitating formal training and employee development.
• Experience overseeing food service or hospitality operations, including financial performance, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

Top Benefits

• Competitive compensation + Bonus opportunities
• Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) Retirement with company match
• Generous PTO policy
• DailyPay earned wage access
• Significant discounts with partner companies
• Access to pet insurance
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Why Creative Dining Services?

At Creative Dining Services, we believe hospitality is about more than food, it's about creating connections and making a positive impact on the people and communities we serve. Join a team that values creativity, collaboration, and delivering exceptional experiences.

Why just work when you can be Creative.