Associate Director of Operations - Vol Dining - UTK

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is a prestigious public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, UTK serves a broad and diverse student body and is part of a comprehensive university system that values fostering a supportive and dynamic campus environment. UTK is recognized for its vibrant campus life, high-quality educational programs, and its dedication to sustainability and operational excellence across all its departments and services.

Within this esteemed institution, the Division of Campus Operations and Real Estate plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the university's physical environment. This division is focused on providing superior services, strategic infrastructure planning, and innovative solutions that support the entire university community. A key component of this division is Vol Dining, which offers an extensive range of dining services designed to meet the diverse needs of students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors. Vol Dining is committed to operational excellence, sustainability, and exceptional customer service, ensuring that dining facilities remain a comfortable and welcoming space for everyone on campus, while aligning with the university's broader mission of fostering education and collaboration.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is currently seeking an experienced Associate Director of Operations to join the Vol Dining leadership team. This is a full-time, onsite position located in Knoxville, TN, with an anticipated salary range of $73,000 to $97,000 per year, under the UT market range MR12.

The Associate Director of Operations plays a pivotal role in overseeing the operational performance, functionality, and long-term planning of the university's dining facilities. Reporting directly to the Director of Dining Services, this leadership role involves managing a complex portfolio of dining facilities across campus. The primary responsibility is to ensure that these facilities operate safely, efficiently, and with the highest quality standards to serve the university community effectively.

This role includes comprehensive oversight of facility operations, capital planning, and construction coordination for dining venues. The Associate Director serves as the principal liaison among various stakeholders including Facilities Services, RISE Development, architects, engineers, contractors, and vendor partners. This coordination is essential to guide projects through planning, design, procurement, and installation to meet both operational needs and university standards. A significant focus of the position is managing back-of-house (BOH) kitchen equipment systems, including preventive maintenance, lifecycle planning, and timely repairs or replacements to keep operations uninterrupted.

Among the many responsibilities, the Associate Director leads the execution of facility improvements, capital projects, and the enhancement of operational infrastructure across the dining service portfolio. They manage operating and capital budgets related to equipment and facility maintenance and ensure efficient allocation of operational resources. Collaborating closely with construction teams and vendors, the role supports the continued growth and modernization of the university’s dining program, driving innovation and operational improvements.

Strategically, the Associate Director contributes to developing and implementing policies, procedures, and operational standards designed to boost efficiency and support the long-term success of Vol Dining. They evaluate operational workflows, custodial programs, and service standards to maintain compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements while seeking continuous improvement opportunities.

As a leader, the Associate Director supervises approximately ten facilities and maintenance staff, overseeing roles in plumbing, HVAC/refrigeration, kitchen equipment repair, and building maintenance. This includes hiring, training, performance management, and professional development to cultivate a skilled, motivated team. Close collaboration with Facilities Services leadership ensures maintenance, repairs, and operational projects are executed effectively and efficiently.

The Associate Director also partners with campus stakeholders on dining initiatives, capital projects, and operational planning. Participation in campus master planning committees and project meetings is a key part of aligning dining services with broader campus goals. Supporting the Director of Dining Services in strategic planning and budget development, they also manage communications regarding operational impacts and facility changes during construction or renovations.

Candidates best suited for this role bring strong experience in operations management, facilities operations, construction coordination, or commercial kitchen systems within complex environments. They demonstrate excellent project management, vendor coordination, and communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities with strong organizational capabilities.

This opportunity at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers a challenging and rewarding position within an impactful division dedicated to enhancing campus life through exceptional dining services and facility operations, making a significant contribution to the overall university experience.