At over 300 college & 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. We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. Job Summary Fuel Innovation. Inspire Excellence. Lead at Texas A&M. Chartwells Higher Education is seeking an inspired Director of Culinary Operations to lead the dynamic, multi-unit culinary program at Texas A&M University-one of our most prestigious and complex showcase accounts. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of campus dining at a school renowned for its commitment to culinary innovation and hospitality. Why Texas A&M? Why Chartwells? As the exclusive dining partner for Texas A&M, Chartwells takes pride in fueling the campus community-including students, faculty, and elite student-athletes-with world-class, performance-driven meals. From residential dining halls to athlete nutrition programs and high-end catering, our team is at the forefront of culinary creativity and excellence. This role is more than just overseeing a kitchen-it’s about driving innovation, mentorship, and the evolution of campus dining. What You’ll Do: Lead & Innovate: Serve as the culinary visionary, setting high standards of excellence and shaping the future of food service at Texas A&M. Develop Award-Winning Menus: Research, test, and launch cutting-edge food programs that elevate the student dining experience, including tailored high-performance nutrition for athletes. Mentor Culinary Talent: Cultivate a high-performance team by mentoring senior chefs across multiple locations and divisions. Create Training Opportunities: Implement best practices and provide hands-on training to ensure continuous professional growth. Stay Ahead of Trends: Engage with industry leaders, attend trade shows, and integrate emerging culinary trends into the program. Drive Operational Success: Oversee menu development, costing, inventory management, and quality assurance to ensure consistency and excellence. What We’re Looking For: + A visionary culinary leader with a track record of success in high-volume, multi-unit food service operations. + A passionate mentor who thrives on developing and inspiring chefs and managers. + An innovator with deep knowledge of food trends, sustainability, and cutting-edge culinary techniques. + A strategic thinker who excels in menu engineering, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction. Preferred Qualifications: + Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional experience + Minimum of five years of progressive culinary experience in high volume, complex service and catering operations + Minimum of two years of menu development + Knowledge of budgets, food and labor costs, inventory controls + Comprehensive knowledge of international cuisines and catering trends + Thorough understanding of food equipment and safety standards + Strong organizational, leadership, coaching and training skills + Excellent verbal and written communication skills + Flexible and adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and work demands + Self-starter, innovative and ability to multitask + Ability to travel extensively + Capable of representing the Company in food service industry events and public relations appearances + Strong computer skills; including MS office, recipe management and nutrition programs Why Join Us? Chartwells Higher Education is transforming campus dining-this is your opportunity to lead a flagship culinary program at one of the nation’s premier universities. Be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Ready to make an impact at Texas A&M? Apply now and lead the charge in redefining campus dining! Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today! Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story (http://www.compass-usa.com/our-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. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace. Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed 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) 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 (https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023\_WageTransparency\_ChartwellsHED.pdf) for paid time off benefits information Req ID: 1397839 Chartwells Higher Education JESSICA BARRICK [[req_classification]]