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Dining Services Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Director of Dining Services - Davenport, IA Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Coaches and supports team to optimally manage wages, food & beverage cost, and controllable ...

Director of Dining Services - Davenport, IA Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Coaches and supports team to optimally manage wages, food & beverage cost, and controllable ...

Director of Dining Services - Davenport, IA Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Coaches and supports team to optimally manage wages, food & beverage cost, and controllable ...

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Dining Services Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$22

$38

How much do dining services manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for dining services manager in Iowa is $22.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dining services manager?

Dining Services Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of food service establishments, such as cafeterias, restaurants, or dining halls. Their duties include managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, creating menus, controlling budgets, and maintaining customer satisfaction. They work closely with chefs, servers, and other staff to ensure a smooth and efficient dining experience. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

How much do dining services managers make in the US?

Dining services managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. They often oversee staff, manage budgets, and ensure quality service in settings such as hospitals, schools, or corporate cafeterias.

What are some common challenges faced by dining services managers, and how can they be addressed?

Dining Services Managers often encounter challenges such as managing diverse teams, maintaining high food quality standards, and adapting to varying customer preferences. Balancing operational efficiency with excellent customer service can be demanding, especially during peak meal times. Effective communication, ongoing staff training, and implementing clear processes can help address these challenges. Additionally, staying current with food safety regulations and industry trends ensures continued success in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dining services manager?

To thrive as a Dining Services Manager, you need expertise in food service operations, menu planning, budgeting, and typically a degree in hospitality management or related experience. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills help foster a motivated team and ensure excellent customer service. These skills are vital for maintaining efficient operations, compliance, and high-quality dining experiences.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dining Services jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Dining Services jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Dining Services Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Dining Services Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Dining Services Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,779 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position Type:
Food Service
Date Posted:
7/20/2026
Location:
Clarke Community School District
Date Available:
08/10/2026
Closing Date:
08/17/2026
Click here to apply Careers At Compass Group
Chartwells K12
Salary: $55,000-$60,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Annual bonus incentive up to 20%, Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, 401K, PTO
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, visitwww.ChartwellsK12.com.
Job Summary
DIRECTOR OF DINING SERVICES - Clarke Community School District, Osceola, IA
As the Director of Dining Services, you will play a key role in launching and managing our newest dining account within the K12 sector. This position combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership to deliver exceptional dining experiences that consistently exceed client expectations. You will drive operational excellence, strengthen client relationships, and champion culinary innovation, ensuring every aspect of service reflects the highest standards of quality.
Leading a passionate and collaborative team, you will foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and teamwork as you bring this new account to life. From menu development to service execution, your guidance will set the benchmark for excellence while driving performance and customer satisfaction across the district. Your leadership will empower the team to deliver outstanding results and create dining programs that truly make a difference.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead, mentor, and inspire our team of frontline associates.
  • Drive strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and increase profitability.
  • Recruit, train, and develop top talent within the organization.
  • Own the annual budget and control costs optimally.
  • Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
  • Build strong relationships with clients, customers, and associates.
  • Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate's degree in Nutrition/Management/Hospitality/Culinary preferred or equivalent experience.**
  • Three (3) plus years of foodservice management experience.
  • Previous P&L accountability or contract-managed services experience.
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
  • Proficiency in computer skills.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) with the ability to communicate in Spanish in a professional work environment preferred

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!
Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
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 or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1531483
Chartwells K12