Food Service Assistant Manager

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a prestigious public university known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement. Among its many campus features is the Wisconsin Union, a vibrant hub that offers dining and hospitality services to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Wisconsin Union brings people together with great food, diverse cuisines, and memorable experiences in a welcoming atmosphere. It operates multiple dining venues including Union South and the Memorial Union, which are cornerstones of student life with dynamic dining services throughout the academic year and summer.

The Food Service Assistant Manager position at the Wisconsin Union is a pivotal leadership role within these renowned university dining operations. This role is designed for a motivated leader who excels in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and has a passion for quality food and exceptional guest experiences. The Assistant Manager works closely with the General Manager to oversee daily food service operations at Union South during the academic year and then transitions to Memorial Union during the summer months. This seasonal rotation enables the incumbent to manage varied dining service challenges and engage with broad campus community demographics.

In this role, the Assistant Manager ensures outstanding customer service standards while supervising staff to maintain high-quality food preparation, cleanliness, and safety regulations. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing daily workflows and menus, coordinating catering services, enforcing alcohol policies in compliance with legal and university standards, and managing inventory and budget concerns. The position requires strong organizational and communication skills as well as the ability to lead and develop a diverse team of professionals and students. This role plays an integral part in driving operational efficiency, enhancing team performance, and elevating overall guest satisfaction on campus.

Employees in this position must be physically capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and working outdoors in various weather conditions. The position demands a flexible schedule with a mix of days, nights, and weekends to meet operational needs, and work hours may increase during peak seasons such as summer when Memorial Union activities intensify. The University of Wisconsin-Madison values diversity and inclusion, making a commitment to foster a welcoming environment where every individual’s background and perspective are respected and embraced.

This regular, full-time role offers a competitive starting salary of $57,500 annually. In addition, the position includes a comprehensive benefits package featuring generous paid time off, health, dental, vision, and life insurance options, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and pension benefits through the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System. This rewarding career opportunity suits a professional with at least one year of supervisory experience in a full-service food operation, particularly those with experience in establishments serving alcohol and who hold certifications such as ServSafe and Alcohol Server License or are willing to obtain them post-hire.

Joining the Wisconsin Union means becoming part of a respected institution within UW-Madison that prioritizes collaboration, operational excellence, and guest-centered service excellence. The Assistant Manager will have the unique opportunity to shape dining experiences for a vibrant university community while developing leadership skills in a supportive and enriching environment.