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Associate Utility Manager

Job Overview

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Compensation

Salary
Range $65,000.00 - $71,000.00
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
holiday schedule
tuition grant program

Job Description

Swarthmore College is a prestigious liberal arts college situated in the scenic suburbs of Philadelphia, known for its rigorous academic programs combined with a strong commitment to social responsibility. The college is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse community, reflecting its mission to promote equitable education and nondiscrimination. With a global outlook, Swarthmore attracts students from across the United States and around the world, creating a vibrant intellectual and cultural environment. The expansive 425-acre campus is recognized as a designated arboretum featuring beautiful gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails through the Crum Woods, offering a serene and inspiring setting for both study and work.

Swarthmore Dining is an integral part of the college community, committed to providing nutritious, high-quality food options in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The dining program emphasizes sustainability by incorporating locally grown and ethically produced ingredients and caters to various dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, and other restrictions. Swarthmore Dining is self-operated, meaning it oversees its own comprehensive residential dining services, focusing on creating a work-life balance that supports its staff alongside excellent service delivery.

The role of Associate Residential Manager at Swarthmore Dining is vital in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the Dining Center. Reporting directly to the Residential Manager, the Associate Residential Manager will oversee sanitation standards and ensure that cleanliness and maintenance protocols are consistently upheld. This leadership position includes responsibilities for hiring, scheduling, coaching, and training utility staff to maintain high standards of food service and hygiene.

The Associate Residential Manager plays a key role in performance management by setting expectations and ensuring that both customer service and operational goals are achieved. Close collaboration with the Director and Associate Director is necessary to align efforts with broader departmental objectives. Inventory management is also critical, as the manager ensures that all necessary small wares and equipment associated with the serving lines are adequately maintained.

This position requires hands-on involvement in daily operations to uphold departmental standards for sanitation, safety, customer service, production quality, and fiscal responsibility. The Associate Residential Manager must maintain strong relationships with hourly and supervisory staff to monitor morale, performance, and operational effectiveness. Effective communication within the department and with other campus units is essential to ensure seamless operations.

Candidates will benefit from a dynamic work environment at one of the most renowned liberal arts colleges in the world, complete with competitive salary ranging from $65,000 to $71,000 annually. The college offers comprehensive benefits, including retirement contributions, paid time off, and tuition assistance programs, all set within the context of a 425-acre arboretum campus that enriches the experience of employees beyond the workplace.

This position requires a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace while promoting a culture of respect and collaboration. The successful candidate will have an outstanding blend of leadership, customer service, and operational skills, paired with a passion for quality food service in an educational setting. Swarthmore’s commitment to nondiscrimination and inclusive excellence makes it an exceptional environment for individuals who seek professional growth in a community-oriented atmosphere. The Associate Residential Manager role is ideal for candidates who excel in managing teams, optimizing dining operations, and contributing to a positive and sustainable dining experience.

Job Requirements

  • High school degree with 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Serv-safe certification
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Ability to drive a van
  • Demonstrated knowledge of production requirements, human resources, and fiscal management
  • Leadership experience in vision development and strategic planning
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, e-mail, CBORD system or similar, recipe software, inventory systems, timekeeping, and catering software
  • Experience managing labor costs
  • Experience with human resource management including selection, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff
  • Experience in large scale catering and event management
  • Experience in budget development and financial systems
  • Strong communication skills including interpersonal, writing, public speaking, teaching
  • Demonstrated problem-solving ability and commitment to customer service
  • Collaborative record of teamwork with diverse operations
  • Working knowledge of commercial restaurant, hotel, or catering operations
  • Effective problem-solving skills

Job Qualifications

  • High school degree or equivalent
  • Serv-safe certification
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Experience in food service management or related field
  • Proficiency with industry-specific software systems
  • Leadership skills with team management experience
  • Experience in budget and labor cost management
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in diverse, inclusive environments
  • Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
  • Experience in large scale catering and event coordination
  • Understanding of health and safety regulations
  • Commitment to customer service excellence
  • Experience in training and staff development
  • Familiarity with commercial dining operations
  • Strategic planning and operational oversight experience

Job Duties

  • Manage and support utility crew including hiring, training, scheduling, assessing and progressive discipline when needed
  • Assist in overseeing sanitation in Dining Center, working with utility supervisor to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance
  • Coach and develop front of house staff on standardization of line presentation and proper portions
  • Develop employee scheduling to meet coverage needs and stay within budget
  • Oversee and work hands-on daily operations to ensure compliance with guidelines and goals
  • Direct education, training, and professional development of utility staff including job summaries and procedures
  • Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure proper product and equipment ordering
  • Perform opening and closing procedures for the unit
  • Ensure dining hall operations meet sanitation, safety, customer service, production standards, and financial goals
  • Maintain hands-on relationship with hourly staff to evaluate efficiency, morale, and performance
  • Communicate effectively with other departments and campus staff as needed
  • Provide flexibility and availability to assist wherever needed
  • Train and coordinate service staff with written and verbal instructions
  • Improve and ensure customer service goals are met
  • Ensure staff compliance with uniform and procedural standards
  • Oversee supervisors and their direct reports

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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