AREA Director / District Manager - K12 Schools FOOD Services, Minnesota

Area Director / District Manager

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.

We're seeking a driven and experienced Area Director / District Manager to lead our dynamic K–12 food service operations across 14–15 school districts throughout Minnesota. This is a high-impact leadership role overseeing a portfolio of up to $23 million and leading a team of 14–15 Food Service Directors. As Area Director, you'll be the strategic partner for our clients and teams—focused on building positive relationships, driving operational excellence, and mentoring future leaders. Reporting to the RVP, you'll spend 2–3 days a week on-site with clients and teams, and 2–3 days working remotely to build strategies, mentor leaders, and drive success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor overall financial performance across accounts to ensure profitability
• Ensure consistent and fair administration of personnel policies
• Lead planning, budget analysis, and reporting for the region
• Partner in the sales process to support regional growth

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is preferred (Hospitality, Business, or Culinary focus is a plus)
• 5+ years of contract foodservice management experience
• Experience in K–12 food service operations desirable
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with a focus on mentoring and team development
• Outstanding client relationship management; comfortable spending time in the field building trust and rapport
• Proven financial and operational acumen, with a track record of driving efficiencies and results
• Must be a self-starter who works well independently and takes initiative
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to balance client needs and operational goals
• High volume & multi-unit management experience is a must

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.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, holiday time off, associate shopping program, health and wellness programs, discount marketplace, identity theft protection, pet insurance, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, paid parental leave, and personal leave.