SENIOR CATERING DIRECTOR - UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY - LEXINGTON, KY

Compass Group USA is a leading foodservice and support services company renowned for delivering great people, great service, and great results. With over 284,000 associates working across award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and other venues in all 50 states, Compass Group USA has an extensive footprint that underscores its position as a top player in the industry. The company's commitment to innovation and service excellence continually shapes the foodservice landscape, bringing fresh ideas and exceptional experiences to the communities it serves. Compass Group prides itself not only on its widespread reach but also on cultivating a culture where every individual contributes significantly to the company’s growth and legacy. The company fosters talent development and expert knowledge to maintain high standards and consistently raise the bar in service delivery.

This role is within an exciting new partnership between Compass Group North America and the University of Kentucky (UK), set to launch on July 1, 2026. This long-term collaboration represents a pioneering integrated services model aligning foodservice, hospitality, facilities management, and healthcare support across the UK campus, healthcare system, and athletics programs. The initiative aims to create a more dynamic, connected environment that enhances the overall experience for students, staff, patients, and the broader community. For career seekers passionate about innovation, service excellence, and contributing to something meaningful, this partnership offers an extraordinary opportunity.

The Senior Catering Director plays a critical role in this vision. This position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive catering solutions tailored to customer needs, working closely with the Executive Chef on menu development to ensure offerings vary from everyday coffee services to exclusive VIP dining events, conducted both on and off-campus. The role requires a strategic mindset with hands-on operational leadership to orchestrate catering events flawlessly while optimizing labor and food costs. The Senior Catering Director will lead hiring, training, and scheduling for the catering team, fostering a culture of service excellence, menu presentation, and efficient policy adherence. Collaboration with the Management and Chartwells Marketing teams is essential to build catering revenue, expand market reach, and solidify strong client relationships that drive customer satisfaction and retention. This role is perfect for a driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is adept at creating exceptional customer experiences. If you have a passion for foodservice innovation and leadership, this position at Compass Group and the University of Kentucky is a compelling opportunity to make a substantial impact.