Manager, University Culinary Services

Kent State University is a renowned public research university located in Kent, Ohio. Established with a commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, the university is widely recognized for its diverse programs and inclusive environment. The Kent Campus serves as the heart of the university's operations, fostering a vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff. Within this dynamic educational institution is the University Dining Services department, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the campus experience by providing high-quality, nutritious, and diverse dining options to the university community. This department prioritizes customer satisfaction, food safety, and operational efficiency, ensuring that all dining venues meet the highest standards.

The role of Manager, University Dining Services, is a vital leadership position responsible for overseeing a retail dining unit or a component of a larger dining service operation at the Kent Campus. This position reports to a designated supervisor and is designed to manage day-to-day operations, ensuring exceptional customer service and compliance with health and safety regulations. The manager will supervise all staff within the assigned area, which includes responsibilities such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation. An important aspect of the role is the monitoring and management of inventory, including ordering necessary products, supplies, and equipment to maintain smooth operational flow.

In addition to operational management, the manager will assist in the development and enforcement of production standards, menu planning, and recipe development to deliver consistent and appealing food offerings. Budgetary responsibilities form part of the role, requiring collaboration on budget development and implementation to keep the unit financially viable while meeting quality goals. The manager may also provide guidance to administrative and professional employees, along with direct supervision of support staff. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the overall dining services strategy and possibly facilitate consecutive projects that enhance service delivery.

This role requires an individual who possesses leadership skills, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of food service operations within a higher education setting. The salary for this position ranges from $42,357 to $46,732 annually, reflecting the level of responsibility and expertise required. This is a staff/unclassified position based at the Kent Campus with varied work schedules that adjust based on business needs. Kent State University is committed to diversity and inclusion, creating a respectful and welcoming workplace that values the contributions of every team member.