Manager, Residential Dining

The University of Rochester is a prestigious private research university located in Rochester, New York. Known for its dedication to excellence, innovation, and community, it embraces the guiding principle of Meliora, meaning 'Ever Better.' This ideal reflects the University’s commitment to continual improvement, equity, integrity, leadership, openness, respect, and accountability. These core values define the vibrant community at the University of Rochester and create a welcoming and inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff alike can thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

Within this context, the University’s Meliora Dining program plays a vital role in enhancing campus life by providing exceptional dining services that meet the needs and expectations of its diverse population. The dining services department is committed to offering high-quality, nutritious, and appealing food options while maintaining the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and customer service.

The Residential Dining Manager position is an integral leadership role within the Meliora Dining program. This full-time role, based in the heart of the campus at 735 Library Rd, Rochester, NY, offers a competitive salary ranging from $63,815 to $95,723 annually. The University values experience, education, and qualifications to ensure that personnel placed in this role can effectively lead and manage the daily operations of a residential dining location, ensuring a seamless, high-quality food service experience for students, faculty, and staff.

As a Residential Dining Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of dining operations, including meal planning, food production, inventory management, and cost control. Working closely with culinary teams, you will ensure the development of nutritious menus that adhere to quality, presentation, and portion control standards. Your leadership will be crucial in delivering excellent customer service while creating a welcoming and inclusive dining atmosphere.

Additionally, you will manage recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of a diverse team of employees, including union-represented staff, agency workers, and student employees. Your role will include developing accountability measures for staff, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a positive and high-performing workplace culture.

You will also oversee the dining location’s budget, analyze financial reports, and implement strategies to optimize profitability without compromising service quality. Ensuring adherence to health, safety, and sanitation regulations is a critical part of your responsibility, along with conducting regular audits and promoting sustainability initiatives such as waste reduction and composting.

Furthermore, you will collaborate with external vendors to manage food and supply procurement, maintaining efficient inventory levels and minimizing waste. Handling customer feedback and resolving complaints promptly will be essential to maintaining high satisfaction levels and continuously improving the dining experience.

The University of Rochester seeks a dedicated professional with an associate's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, or a related field along with at least three years of food service management experience. Preference will be given to candidates with a bachelor’s degree and experience working in university or food service settings, especially those with experience engaging with student populations. Additional required skills include strong leadership abilities, excellent communication, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, financial acumen, adaptability, and a commitment to sustainability.

This role also requires flexibility in working hours, including evenings and weekends, and certifications such as ServSafe within the first year of employment. By joining the University of Rochester, you will contribute to a mission-driven institution that values diversity, inclusion, and the pursuit of excellence, all while positively impacting the campus community through exceptional dining services.