Director Dining Services - K12 New Ulm School District, MN

Director Of Dining Services

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.

New Ulm Public School District is seeking a culinary-driven Director of Dining Services to lead food operations across four schools, serving 2,135 students from Pre-K through 12th grade. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in the kitchen and in the community—overseeing up to 40 union food service professionals while being the face of the dining program. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for scratch cooking, nutrition, and student engagement, with the ability to speak confidently about recipes, wellness, and food trends to both school leadership and students. This role is perfect for a boots-on-the-ground leader ready to elevate school dining through innovation, creativity, and connection. You'll lead menu development, introduce a new catering program, and ensure every meal served reflects quality, care, and community values. If you're ready to transform school food into a culinary experience that nourishes both body and spirit—this is your opportunity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and encourage our team of client frontline union associates.
• Drive critical initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and increase profitability.
• Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization.
• Lead the annual budget and coordinates costs effectively.
• Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Build positive relationships with clients, customers, and associates.
• Market the program and successfully tell its story to engage customers.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Food Services Management/Hospitality/Culinary or Nutrition preferred or equivalent experience preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven record to cultivate an inclusive and engaging culture.
• Skilled in crafting impactful, long-term relationships that drive program success and client satisfaction.
• Food service management experience needed.
• Strong culinary background preferred.
• Catering experience preferred.
• Knowledge of K12 food service experience is preferred.
• Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
• Proficiency in computer skills.

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. 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.

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 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.