Senior Manager, University Culinary Services

Kent State University is a prominent public research university located in Kent, Ohio. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion, Kent State serves a wide student body with comprehensive programs across various disciplines. The university embraces a culturally and intellectually diverse community and strives to maintain an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Kent State University is recognized for its progressive policies including being a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus and emphasizes equity in employment practices, adhering to equal opportunity principles for all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, disability status, or other protected characteristics.

This specific role is for a Senior Manager within University Culinary Services, based at Kent Campus. The Senior Manager will oversee a large multi-unit dining service operation that encompasses areas such as Eastway, the Second Floor Cafeteria, and the lower level dining facilities. Reporting directly to a designated supervisor, this position is a leadership role designed to ensure smooth operational management and high-quality customer service across multiple food service units.

The Senior Manager’s responsibilities involve comprehensive management of personnel, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation, to maintain an efficient and motivated workforce. The role requires the development and implementation of training programs and production standards while ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal health, safety, and sanitation regulations. Menu planning, menu costing, and the creation of new recipes are also integral components of this position.

This role requires an individual with strong budgeting experience, as the Senior Manager will oversee assigned area budgets, record sales data, and develop various reporting metrics to track operational success. Participation in university committees and event support within the dining services is also expected, providing an opportunity to contribute to broader institutional goals. This position not only supervises hourly staff but offers leadership over a small department or major function, often involving administrative and professional employee oversight.

The position is permanent with a competitive salary range of $53,015 to $61,890 per year. Ideal candidates will have an associate’s degree in management, hotel or restaurant management, or a related culinary field, coupled with multiple years of progressive experience managing complex dining operations. Certified food service management knowledge and the ability to obtain Ohio Health Department Food Service Management Certification within three months of hire are mandatory.

Kent State University encourages candidates to apply who are passionate about fostering inclusive and respectful workplace environments. The university mandates a security check as part of the hiring process and is committed to continuous improvement in workplace diversity and inclusion. The working schedule for this role may include non-traditional hours as required by dining service operations. This job offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an esteemed educational institution’s culinary services while developing professionally in a supportive and diverse community.