Area Director / DM - K12 Greater Detroit, MI Area School Districts

Salary: $100000-$115000

Other Forms of Compensation:  Annual Bonus Incentive up to 25%, fleet car 

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. For more information, visit

Job Summary

Location: Greater Detroit, MI Area School Districts (Remote with Travel Required)

As Area Director, you’ll be a strategic partner to both clients and internal teams—focused on building strong relationships, driving operational success, and mentoring future leaders. Reporting to the Sr. Regional Director of Operations, you’ll oversee 15–17 accounts throughout the Greater Detroit area, representing a managed volume of $23–25 million and leading up to 17 high performing Directors. This role requires regular travel to K-12 client sites to provide hands-on support, ensure operational alignment, and drive performance.

We’re looking for someone who’s detailed, diligent, and confident in addressing groups. Crucial qualities for this role include strong relationship-building abilities, financial competence, and the ability to navigate complex situations. You’ll be relied upon to lead through influence, resolve challenges, and support the growth and success of your teams.

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 preferred
• 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!

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

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. 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. 

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.

• 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)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

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 for paid time off benefits information.

Req ID: 1463508

Chartwells K12

KRISTEN STROHMYER

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