UNT Dining, Mean Greens Cafe' - Senior Manager ( Operations Chef)

The University of North Texas System (UNT System) is a comprehensive and dynamic educational institution serving the North Texas region through multiple campuses. It includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas, UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. Recognized as the only university system based exclusively within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, UNT System is a vibrant community that employs over 14,000 staff and educates more than 49,000 students, awarding nearly 12,000 degrees annually. This expansive educational network fosters an inclusive and innovative environment committed to excellence, economic opportunity, and transformative learning experiences.

Within this expansive system is UNT Dining Services, the largest self-supported food service department in North Texas. Known for its innovative culinary approach and award-winning talent, UNT Dining Services manages five Dining Halls, over 20 retail locations, an upscale restaurant, a hydroponic garden, a central scratch bakery, and full-service catering. Notably, UNT Dining Services operates Mean Greens Café, the nation's first 100% vegan collegiate dining hall, and Kitchen West, Texas's first university dining hall certified Free From™ the Big 8 food allergens and gluten. The department is dedicated to sustainable dining practices, pioneering plant-forward diets, and food waste reduction, actively contributing to national research and best practices in university dining. Recognized for excellence, UNT was ranked second nationally for best college food by Delish.com and is a recipient of prestigious awards like the Loyal E. Horton Award and the Vegan Recipe Award.

The Senior Manager - Operations Chef at UNT Dining’s Mean Greens Café holds a critical leadership role encompassing the oversight of plant-based culinary operations within a high-volume, all-you-care-to-eat dining setting. This position is pivotal in ensuring the utmost quality and presentation of vegan food offerings, adherence to rigorous food safety and sanitation standards, and careful management of labor and food costs to uphold operational efficiency. The role entails supervising and mentoring a diverse team of culinary staff, including student and full-time employees, while coordinating daily kitchen operations to foster an innovative and guest-focused dining experience.

This leadership role requires developing and implementing creative vegan menu concepts and production strategies that align with the department's commitment to sustainability and quality. The Senior Manager collaborates closely with the General Manager and dining leadership team to ensure flawless execution of dining services and ongoing enhancement of operational practices. Success in this role demands extensive experience in high-volume food service management, strong culinary leadership skills, particularly in plant-based cuisine, exceptional communication abilities, and a passion for delivering exemplary hospitality.

Position salary is commensurate with experience and the role is classified as a full-time Senior Food Service Manager position within the UNT-Student Affairs division, based at the Denton campus. The position is TRS eligible and includes responsibilities such as managing compliance with university policies, health codes, and safety standards, including HACCP and SOP adherence. The role also involves driving university vehicles as needed and maintaining a safe work environment without adverse environmental hazards. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a nationally recognized dining program known for innovation and excellence in university food service, supporting a diverse and inclusive community centered on quality and sustainability.