OPERATIONS DIRECTOR - Binghamton University - Binghamton, NY

Location: Residential Dining 

Salary: $115,000 - $125,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Eligible 

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

Are you a strategic, people-focused leader with a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences? Compass Group is seeking a Residential Director of Operations to oversee a multi-million-dollar residential dining program at Binghamton University, one of the premier higher education dining environments in the country.

In this highly visible leadership role, you will guide daily operations across residential dining facilities, lead a talented team of managers and associates, drive financial performance, and cultivate strong client partnerships. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the student experience while advancing your career with a global leader in foodservice management.

Why Join Compass Group?

As a Residential Director of Operations, you'll have the opportunity to work with innovative teams, influence campus dining strategy, and contribute to an industry-leading higher education program focused on hospitality, student satisfaction, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for a large-scale residential dining operation serving thousands of students daily.
• Develop and execute operational plans, budgets, and strategic initiatives to achieve financial and service goals.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing management team while fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and excellence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university stakeholders and campus partners.
• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, safety, sanitation, and customer service.
• Monitor financial performance, manage budgets, and drive profitability through effective cost controls and operational efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with Compass Group policies, account standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze operational data and provide accurate reporting to leadership and campus clients.
• Champion innovation, continuous improvement, and student-focused dining experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive foodservice management experience.
• Significant leadership experience within higher education dining, including residential and retail operations.
• Proven experience managing large, multi-unit foodservice programs and diverse teams.
• Strong understanding of P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial accountability.
• Contract-managed service experience highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in client relationship management and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while maintaining focus on service excellence.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a collaborative and strategic leader who combines operational expertise with exceptional relationship-building skills. You are passionate about mentoring teams, enhancing the student experience, and delivering outstanding results in a complex higher education environment.

Join Compass Group and help shape the future of campus dining at Binghamton University while leading one of our premier residential dining programs.

Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!

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. 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.

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

Req ID: 1572923

Chartwells HE 

KRISTINA MCCARTHY 

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