Food Service Director

Arlington, VA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $85,000.00 - $95,000.00

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Savings Plans

Paid Time Off

Parental leave

Disability Coverage

Job Description

LifeWorks Restaurant Group, an independently operated division of Aramark, is renowned for providing exceptional dining experiences that elevate company culture through innovative and customized food service solutions. LifeWorks is dedicated to designing and delivering unique, sensory-rich dining environments that go beyond traditional expectations. From the initial stages of client engagement to the final branded product, the team at LifeWorks prioritizes transparency and collaboration, focusing on creating memorable experiences with high-quality food, outstanding service, and beautifully designed dining spaces. As a part of the Aramark family, LifeWorks benefits from a global presence and extensive resources, serving millions of guests daily across 15 countries. This foundation supports the local commitment of LifeWorks to excellence and innovation in hospitality.

The Food Service Director role at LifeWorks presents an exciting leadership opportunity for a passionate and experienced hospitality professional. This position requires overseeing daily food service operations while leading a dynamic team to deliver top-tier dining experiences. The selected leader will ensure seamless execution of food preparation and service, maintain high standards of safety and sanitation, and foster a customer-first culture that drives both client satisfaction and business growth. The Food Service Director will also manage key financial aspects including budgeting, revenue building, and cost control across food, beverage, and labor resources. This role demands strong communication skills to cultivate effective client relationships and align food service goals with client needs and organizational objectives. Compensation for this salaried position ranges from $85,000 to $95,000 annually, reflecting the moderate to high level of responsibility and required expertise. Employees in this role are eligible for comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision coverage, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and more. The Food Service Director is expected to implement operational excellence initiatives, manage workforce performance, and contribute to ongoing menu innovation and sustainability efforts. This position is ideal for an individual who thrives in fast-paced environments and possesses a proven track record of success in food service management and team development.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Minimum of 4 years of food service experience
At least 1-3 years in a management role
Strong communication skills
Ability to develop and maintain client relationships
Demonstrated customer service excellence
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments
Ability to lift up to 50 lb occasionally
Ability to stand for extended periods
Willingness to comply with safety and sanitation standards

Job Qualifications

Requires at least 4 years of experience
Requires at least 1-3 years of experience in a management role
Requires previous experience in food service
Requires a bachelors degree or equivalent experience
Strong communication skills
Ability to develop and maintain effective client and customer rapport for mutually beneficial business relationships
Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service using Aramark’s standard model
Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with other departments to a unified food service experience
Requires occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 50 lb
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time

Job Duties

Lead, mentor, engage and develop teams to maximize their contributions, including recruiting, assessing, training, coaching and managing performance
Ensure food services appropriately connects to the Executional Framework
Coach employees by creating a shared understanding about what needs to be achieved and how to execute
Reward and recognize employees
Ensure safety and sanitation standards in all operations
Identify client needs and effectively communicate operational progress
Adopt Aramark process and systems
Build revenue and manage budget, including cost controls regarding food, beverage and labor
Ensure the completion and maintenance of P&L statements
Achieve food and labor targets
Manage resources to ensure quality and cost control within budgetary guidelines
Implement and maintain Aramark agenda for both labor and food initiatives
Create value through efficient operations, appropriate cost controls and profit management
Full compliance with Operational Excellence fundamentals, including food and labor
Direct and oversee operations related to production, distribution and food service
Maintain a safe and healthy environment for clients, customers and employees
Comply with all applicable policies, rules and regulations
Establish and maintain systems and procedures for the ordering, receiving, storing, preparing and serving of food related products, as well as menu planning and development
Develop operational component forecasts and explain variances
Coordinate and supervise unit personnel regarding production, merchandising, quality and cost control, labor management and employee training
Recruit, hire, develop and retain front line team
Conduct period 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 process and negotiation of contracts
Look for opportunities to implement new products and services supporting sales growth and client retention
Manage the front of the house of the dining operation
Develop and implement food service plans aligned with the client’s mission and vision, including sustainable practices