DIRECTOR, DINING SERVICES - K12 FOOD SERVICE - Union School District, San Jose, CA

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:  $95000-$102000

Other Forms of Compensation:  Annual Bonus Incentive up to 20%, Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, PTO, 401K 

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

Chartwells at Union School District in San Jose, CA is seeking a Director of Dining Services to lead food service operations across a nine‑school district , serving approximately 5,700 students . As out Director, you will oversee all elementary and middle school food service programs, manage financial performance, and partner closely with a highly engaged client. The position will enjoy a Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM schedule.  Summer operations are lighter and focused on planning and preparation for the school year.

In this role, you’ll lead an NSLP‑compliant operation , working with an established Executive Chef to execute menus, improve food quality, and drive student participation. You’ll manage a team that includes union staff , ensure strong day‑to‑day operations, and look for opportunities to grow the program—including building out catering services . 

The ideal candidate brings strong operational leadership, P&L experience and top tier relationship building skills.  This is a great opportunity for a self‑starter who can adapt to change, align with a highly engaged client, and is looking for a long‑term role where they can lead, grow, and make a meaningful impact on students every day.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Lead, mentor, and inspire our team; including a salaried Executive Chef and frontline union associates.
•    Drive strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and increase profitability.
•    Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization.
•    Own the annual budget and control costs optimally.
•    Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
•    Build strong relationships with clients, customers, and associates. 
•    Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:
•     Bachelor's degree in Food Services Management/Hospitality/ Nutrition or Culinary preferred or equivalent experience.**
•    Five plus years of foodservice management experience.
•    Strong knowledge of high-volume food production is preferred.
•    Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
•    Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
•    Proficiency in computer skills.

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools 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. 

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.

- usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

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

Req ID: 1530997

Chartwells K12 

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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