Director of Dining Services

Martin Recruiting Partners

Knoxville, TN

Director of Dining Services (Multi-Unit Leadership)

📍 Knoxville, TN Market (Knoxville, Cleveland, Clarkesville)

💼 Full-Time | Mostly a Monday–Friday Travel-Based Role

We are seeking a Director of Dining Services to lead a portfolio of contract food service operations across a dynamic, multi-site market. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for a strong multi-unit operator who thrives in people development, operational execution, and client partnership.

This position oversees 6 locations supporting a mix of manufacturing, distribution, and industrial dining environments.

What You’ll Do

Provide leadership and operational oversight across multiple food service accounts
Drive team engagement, retention, and performance across all locations
Partner with clients to ensure exceptional service delivery and satisfaction
Lead food production execution, including batch cooking and catering programs
Ensure consistency in quality, safety, and operational standards
Coach and develop unit-level managers and teams
Travel regularly throughout the market (primarily Monday–Friday, limited overnights)

What We’re Looking For

Proven multi-unit restaurant leadership experience is REQUIRED
Background must include either Fast Casual and/or Catering/Batch Cooking operations
Experience at the District Manager / Director level
Strong preference for candidates from Chipotle, Taziki’s, or Cracker Barrel type restaurants if from Mainstream Fast/Family Casual brands
Highly hands-on leader with a strong understanding of food production
Experience with batch cooking and catering operations is essential
A people-first leader who builds trust, motivates teams, and strengthens culture
Ability to manage multiple priorities across geographically dispersed locations

Compensation & Benefits