Café and Retail Experience Director

About the role

LifeWorks Restaurant Group, an independently operated division of Aramark, designs custom dining solutions for clients looking to elevate amenities into immersive, sensory experiences. The team establishes transparency from space design through final branded execution, focusing on feeding company culture rather than meeting basic requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop teams, including recruiting, assessing, training, coaching, and managing performance.
• Ensure food services align with the Executional Framework and create a shared understanding of goals and execution.
• Recognize and reward employees while maintaining safety and sanitation standards.
• Identify client needs and communicate operational progress effectively.
• Build revenue, manage budgets, and control costs for food, beverage, and labor.
• Complete and maintain P&L statements while achieving food and labor targets.
• Implement Aramark’s labor and food initiatives, ensuring efficient operations and cost controls.
• Oversee production, distribution, and food service operations with full compliance to Operational Excellence fundamentals.
• Establish systems for ordering, receiving, storing, preparing, and serving food, including menu planning and development.
• Develop operational forecasts, explain variances, and handle component accounting functions.
• Coordinate and supervise unit personnel in production, merchandising, quality control, labor management, and training.
• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain frontline teams, conducting periodic inventory.
• Maintain records to comply with Aramark, government, and accrediting agency standards.
• Interact with client management and maintain effective client and customer relations.
• Participate in sales processes and contract negotiations, identifying opportunities for new products and services.
• Manage the front of the house for dining operations (Cafeteria/Residential Dining Facility).
• Develop and implement food service plans aligned with the client’s mission and vision, including sustainable practices.

Requirements

• At least 4 years of experience in food service.
• At least 1–3 years of experience in a management role.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective client and customer relationships.
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service using Aramark’s standard model.
• Ability to collaborate with other departments for a unified food service experience.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.

Pay

The salaried rate for this position is $88,000 to $100,000.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Work/life resources, including parental leave and disability coverage.
• Retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k).
• Paid days off.
• Benefits vary by location, legal requirements, and employee eligibility.