DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES - Peru Community Schools, IN

Salary: $65,000 -$75,000

Other Forms of Compensation:  Annual bonus incentive up to 15%, Medical, dental & vision insurance, 401K, PTO 

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit

Job Summary

Peru Community Schools, located in Peru, Indiana , is seeking an energetic and highly organized Director of Dining Services to lead a student nutrition program serving approximately 1,800 students across three school buildings . Overseeing a team of 25 associates , this leader will build strong relationships, foster a positive team culture, and ensure an exceptional dining experience for students. The ideal candidate thrives in a close-knit community, brings a flexible and collaborative leadership style, and is passionate about developing people while driving operational excellence.

This is an outstanding opportunity to make a visible impact in a district that values teamwork, adaptability, and community connection. With a Monday-Friday daytime schedule and time off during evenings, weekends, holidays, and school breaks, you'll enjoy excellent work-life balance while leading a dedicated team and enhancing the everyday experience of students and families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversees all P&L and budgeting as it pertains to the account
• Maintains excellent relationships with the client
• Works with the team to create nutritious, high-quality food for students
• Implements new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary teams
• Acts as a liaison between Chartwells, the client, and the community
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the dining services operation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Management, Hospitality, Culinary, or Nutrition preferred; additional food service management experience
• Three or more years of food service management experience
• K-12 dining experience preferred
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Financial acumen with strong business intuition

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools 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. 

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12  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:  1557733

Chartwells K12 

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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