Assistant Manager - Dining

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

Iowa State University Dining is seeking an Assistant Manager to supervise and support food service operations. You’ll manage daily tasks, ensure food safety, and oversee production while also working alongside your team and jumping in as needed . This hands-on role includes supervising staff, ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, and ensuring quality control in food production and service. You’ll assist with scheduling, training, and closing operations, helping ensure smooth transitions between meal periods. If you have prior kitchen experience, you’ll quickly learn the tasks your team performs and be ready to jump in when needed, as well as train others on these procedures. Schedule Days and hours are based on operational needs; nights and weekends are required . Schedules are reevaluated each semester. What You’ll Do Supervise daily food service operations to support quality, safety, and efficiency Work alongside staff during production and service, stepping in as needed Support scheduling, training, and closing activities to keep operations running smoothly Oversee inventory and ordering to support consistent service and production Communicate with the team to ensure smooth transitions between meal periods What You’ll Get Insurance benefits beginning on your first day , with timely enrollment Competitive retirement options with substantial university contributions Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay Tuition reimbursement available after one year of employment A collaborative, service-oriented workplace dedicated to supporting students More About ISU Dining Iowa State University Dining plays an important role in campus life, serving thousands of students, faculty, staff, and guests each day. The team focuses on quality food, strong service, and a supportive work environment where employees are encouraged to contribute and grow. Watch Our Team in Action Example of Duties Supervises service delivery, training, safety, sanitation, facilities maintenance, marketing, and cash handling in order to meet departmental goals. Assists with the development of operational pricing and budgets to meet sales, budgetary, and financial targets. Supervises and participates in food production, including forecasting food ordering, food preparation, and food sanitation. Authorizes purchases and monitors inventory control procedures. Assists in the planning and execution of dining programs and participates in short and long-term strategic planning. Assists in creating and updating policies and procedures used by the department in order to assure compliance with university policies and State and Federal laws. Evaluates product offerings and selection to keep current with the popularity of items offered for sale. Markets the department and acts as the liaison for the department with various units, committees or task forces. Establishes and demonstrates a positive working relationship with vendors to develop product ordering, delivery, and stocking schedules. Researches, facilitates, and develops trainings and orientations for new staff. Level Guidelines Aware of key annual objectives of department or work unit Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports Focus on ISU’s mission and meeting department or work unit goals Supervises a small department or work team Often is a working supervisor with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

ServSafe Certification
Prior Restaurant Management experience
Experience working in a special dietary needs kitchen or work

Responsibilities

Supervises service delivery, training, safety, sanitation, facilities maintenance, marketing, and cash handling in order to meet departmental goals.
Assists with the development of operational pricing and budgets to meet sales, budgetary, and financial targets.
Supervises and participates in food production, including forecasting food ordering, food preparation, and food sanitation.
Authorizes purchases and monitors inventory control procedures.
Assists in the planning and execution of dining programs and participates in short and long-term strategic planning.
Assists in creating and updating policies and procedures used by the department in order to assure compliance with university policies and State and Federal laws.
Evaluates product offerings and selection to keep current with the popularity of items offered for sale.
Markets the department and acts as the liaison for the department with various units, committees or task forces.
Establishes and demonstrates a positive working relationship with vendors to develop product ordering, delivery, and stocking schedules.
Researches, facilitates, and develops trainings and orientations for new staff.