Food Service Director (Retail & Residence Dining)

Company Description

Dexterra Group is a fast-growing, financially strong, publicly listed company (TSX:DXT). We have a far-reaching presence across the entire continent North America with hundreds of full-time and part-time opportunities at any given time. We aim to provide our people with more than just a job – we offer fulfilling opportunities in a culture that promotes stability, diversity and inclusion, camaraderie, employee recognition, work-life balance, and doing what you love. For over 75 years, the companies that began independently, and now form Dexterra Group, have been dedicated to serving North American clients to create and manage built environments that play a vital role in our economy and our local communities. That’s something we’re truly proud of, Work That Matters, People Who Care.

Job Description

Great food service is about more than great food! It takes strong leadership, attention to detail, and a team that understands what great service looks like every day.

We're looking for a Food Service Director to lead a diverse food service operation that includes meal plan services, cafés, franchised locations, and catering. This role is responsible for delivering an exceptional customer experience, building strong teams, maintaining high operational standards, and driving business results.

If you're a food service leader who enjoys developing people, building client relationships, and creating outstanding experiences for customers, we encourage you to apply today.

WHAT'S THE JOB?

The Food Service Director is a hands‑on operations management role responsible for the day‑to‑day success of a busy food service operation.

You’ll work closely with your team to deliver consistent service, maintain food quality and safety standards, support client expectations, and keep the operation running smoothly. You’ll also play an important role in developing employees, managing costs, supporting business objectives, and finding practical ways to improve the customer experience.

What You’ll Do

Lead the Operation

• Oversee meal plan services, cafés, franchised locations, and catering operations.
• Ensure food quality, service standards, and operational consistency.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, health, safety, and company standards.
• Promote a safe, organized, and professional work environment.
• Identify equipment, staffing, or operational issues and ensure they are addressed quickly.

Deliver a Great Customer Experience

• Create an environment where customer satisfaction is a daily priority.
• Build positive working relationships with clients, customers, and site stakeholders.
• Respond to customer concerns quickly, professionally, and with a focus on solutions.
• Support service standards that improve speed, quality, and the overall customer experience.

Support and Develop Your Team

• Schedule, coach, train, and support food service employees.
• Provide clear direction and follow up to ensure standards are met.
• Support employee development and help create opportunities for growth.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and productive workplace culture.
• Communicate policy updates, procedural changes, and operational priorities clearly.

Manage Costs and Business Performance

• Manage inventory, ordering, stock rotation, and waste reduction.
• Support budget expectations through strong cost control and labour management.
• Maintain accurate records related to payroll, attendance, inventory, and financial reporting.
• Ensure proper cash handling, reporting, and financial controls.
• Monitor operational performance and take action when adjustments are needed.

Support Growth and Continuous Improvement

• Support catering, special events, marketing initiatives, and business plans.
• Look for opportunities to improve service, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Support new unit openings, franchise standards, and operational changes as required.
• Participate in management meetings and provide practical insight into operational performance.

Qualifications

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

You are a food service leader who enjoys working with people and takes pride in running a strong operation. You know how to balance customer service, food quality, team leadership, and business performance. You are comfortable being visible in the operation, supporting your team, solving problems, and working with clients to deliver a great experience.

• A Great Attitude!
• 7+ years of leadership experience within food service, hospitality, catering, retail food operations, or a related environment.
• Experience with multi‑unit operations, franchise operations, contract food service, or campus dining environments.
• Strong customer service and client relationship skills.
• Solid business acumen with experience managing budgets, labour costs, inventory, and operational performance.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop teams.
• Experience working in a unionized environment is considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of food safety, health regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with POS systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• ServeSafe and/or FoodSafe certification.
• Tim Hortons Manager Certification is considered an asset.
• Red Seal Chef certification is considered an asset.

What Will Help You Succeed

• A positive, practical, and hands‑on leadership style.
• Strong communication skills with employees, clients, and customers.
• The ability to stay calm and focused in a busy food service environment.
• Good judgment when solving operational, employee, or customer concerns.
• A strong focus on safety, service, quality, and accountability.
• The ability to build trust with your team and follow through on commitments.

Additional Information

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Be part of an industry that's more important than ever!
• Award‑winning safety culture.
• Supportive team environment with room to grow together.
• Employee Referral Program.
• We are growing!
• Certified as a Great Place to Work 2025‑2026!

Dexterra Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans’ status, Indigenous status, or any other legally protected factors. Accommodation is available upon request at all stages of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest and will contact those candidates selected for interview.

Note, we are not accepting candidates from recruitment agencies.

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