Shared-use Kitchen Manager

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a comprehensive and impactful statewide campus that encompasses faculty based at various University campuses, Research and Extension Centers, and throughout every county in Arkansas. Established in 1959, the Division directs its research and extension activities through the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES). With over 1,400 employees, it is overseen by the Vice-President for Agriculture and headquartered in Little Rock alongside the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. Known for fostering a healthy work-life balance and a vibrant work environment, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is dedicated to supporting agricultural innovation and excellence across the state.

One of the Division’s critical facilities is the Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks (AFIC@MCO), a 45,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art food processing and research facility designed to empower local food entrepreneurs and farmers. AFIC@MCO operates as a collaborative hub, offering shared-use commercial kitchens, specialized processing capabilities, and technical assistance to facilitate the growth and success of food businesses in Northwest Arkansas.

The University of Arkansas is currently seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Shared-Use Kitchen Manager to lead and manage the daily operations of the shared-use commissary kitchen and tenant spaces at AFIC@MCO. This position plays a vital role in enhancing the facility’s operational success by overseeing tenant onboarding, scheduling, billing, and compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. The manager also engages directly with tenants to troubleshoot challenges, facilitate maintenance, and maintain readiness of kitchen equipment and common areas.

Beyond kitchen operations, this role focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and program support. The Kitchen Manager is encouraged to support networking events, participate in facility tours, and mentor food entrepreneurs, thereby nurturing a thriving ecosystem of startups and small businesses. The manager will help increase tenant recruitment and retention, contribute to grant writing and program development, and participate in educational programming to enrich entrepreneurial growth.

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years of professional experience in culinary arts, food operations, or entrepreneurship. Preferred qualifications include academic credentials in Culinary Arts or Food Science and experience in supporting food startups and small businesses. The candidate should also demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

This is a regular, benefits-eligible position with a salary commensurate with education and experience. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture promotes diversity and equal opportunity in employment and education, emphasizing fair treatment and compliance with all applicable laws. Candidates interested in this role should be prepared to submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and a list of professional references. This position does not require a pre-employment background check. The facility embraces collaboration, community engagement, and growth-oriented support to provide food entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the competitive food industry.