General Manager, University Culinary Services

Kent State University is a prominent public research university located in Kent, Ohio. Founded in 1910, Kent State University has grown into a comprehensive educational institution known for its commitment to innovation, diversity, and inclusion. The university provides a rich academic environment with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs aimed at fostering student success and community engagement. The Kent Campus serves as the main hub of the institution, accommodating a dynamic mix of students, faculty, and staff in a vibrant collegiate atmosphere. Kent State University values cultural and intellectual diversity and is committed to creating working and learning environments that respect differences and encourage inclusiveness and respect.

The position available is for a General Manager within University Culinary Services, a key department responsible for managing dining operations on campus. The role is located at the Kent Campus in Kent, Ohio, and offers a salary range between $46,977 and $54,710 annually. This is a staff/unclassified position focused on managing a moderately complex dining service operation or assisting a senior manager in running a larger multi-unit dining service operation, such as those at Tri Towers, Eastway, or the Second Floor Cafeteria. Reporting directly to a designated supervisor, the General Manager plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operations and high-quality food service experiences for the university community.

In this position, the General Manager will be accountable for overseeing daily dining operations, supervising staff, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. With a focus on customer service excellence, the General Manager must lead by example and maintain a well-trained and motivated team. Budget oversight and reporting, menu development and cost analysis, and the implementation of production standards are also critical components of this role. The General Manager is expected to demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills while fostering an environment where staff members feel supported and empowered. This position emphasizes a balance between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced campus setting.

Kent State University Culinary Services is committed to providing nutritious, varied, and affordable dining options to the campus community. The General Manager will contribute significantly to these goals by managing resources prudently, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations concerning food safety and sanitation. This role is ideal for candidates with a solid background in food service management, who possess both managerial experience and the ability to analyze and solve problems effectively. Candidates with an associate degree in management, business, or culinary arts, along with relevant professional experience, will find this a rewarding opportunity to advance their careers in a supportive and diverse academic environment.