CATERING DIRECTOR - Chartwells Higher Education -New York, NY

At over 300 college and universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

About the Role

The Director of Catering is responsible for the strategic leadership, financial performance, and operational execution of all catering services within a Chartwells Higher Education account. This role drives revenue growth, profitability, client satisfaction, and service excellence while ensuring full alignment with Compass Group standards and campus client expectations. This position operates as a senior leader within the dining services organization, partnering closely with campus stakeholders, culinary leadership, and regional Compass leadership to deliver innovative, data-driven catering programs. The Director of Catering serves as the primary client-facing leader for catering services, providing insights, continuous improvement strategies, and long-term business development.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for Catering Sales, Catering Operations, and Production teams
• Lead, develop, and mentor salaried managers and frontline associates
• Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive team culture aligned with Compass values
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, workforce planning, and succession development
• Drive performance management processes including evaluations, coaching, and engagement initiatives

Client Engagement & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary senior-level liaison between Chartwells and university stakeholders
• Lead and participate in client meetings, presentations, and event debriefs
• Review past event performance using data and feedback
• Provide strategic recommendations for improvement
• Plan future events aligned with client goals
• Build strong partnerships with campus departments, faculty, and administration
• Ensure all client interactions are proactive, consultative, and solution-oriented

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management, Business, or related field preferred
• 5–8+ years of progressive leadership experience in catering, hospitality, or food service
• Experience in higher education dining or large-scale contract food service preferred
• Proven track record managing high-volume, multi-functional operations
• Advanced financial acumen (profit margin, food cost, COGA, labor management, budgeting)
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Expertise in menu engineering and cost control
• Experience in market analysis and strategic planning
• Exceptional client relationship management and presentation skills
• Strong leadership, delegation, and team development capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, service-driven environment

Pay

$85,000 - $90,000

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance / AD&D
• 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