Associate Director Dining Services

UMass Amherst•Amherst, NY

39d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director Residential Dining/Retail, the Associate Director of Dining Services manages UMass Catering and the Campus Center Blue Wall. The role provides operational, marketing, and financial oversight for both operations and includes multi-unit supervision of management teams, supervisors, and chefs. The position plans and delivers services across customer-facing outlets, oversees personnel actions and performance, manages budgets and business plans, and coordinates work with other university departments. The position is onsite in Amherst and designated as essential personnel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, marketing, or a related field.
At least five years of management experience in the hospitality industry, including three years of progressive experience in product or service marketing and sales.
Experience in sales and marketing, event planning, budgeting, and supervision.
Organizational and planning skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate operations across multiple customer-facing outlets.
Administrative and organizational savvy, including the ability to navigate processes, work across departments, and exercise sound judgment within a complex organization.
Functional knowledge of standard statistical analysis methods and software packages.
Detail-oriented approach.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse constituencies and stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
Strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Proficiency with Windows-based software and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
ServSafe certification at hire or within three months of hire.
Alcohol Serving Certificate at hire or within three months of hire.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays and be on call for emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in hospitality, marketing, business, or a related field.
Experience working in higher education.
Experience working in a unionized environment.
Experience working in the public sector.

Responsibilities

Lead and supervise staff and plan, develop, and deliver services for UMass Catering and the Campus Center Blue Wall retail dining venue.
Organize work across multiple customer-facing outlets, set priorities, and adjust plans as operational needs change.
Oversee personnel actions and evaluate directly and indirectly supervised personnel; establish performance goals consistent with UMass Amherst’s mission and objectives.
Create and monitor food and labor budgets, and use weekly KPIs to measure business performance.
Develop and oversee annual business and marketing plans, policies, and procedures for profitable product and labor costs.
Supervise food preparation and service, including delivery, storage, rotation, and proper use of food, equipment, and warewashing chemicals in accordance with university policies.
Oversee product logistics, menu implementation, and inventory.
Develop approaches, policies, and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
Inspect facilities as needed and ensure clean and sanitary operations.
Direct preparation of daily meal-count reports and food-temperature charts; prepare and maintain smallwares inventory records.
Oversee the service of high-quality, nutritionally balanced meals in a safe and healthy environment; review menus and make major adjustments as needed; ensure guest service and satisfaction.
Control alcoholic beverage service and related liability in accordance with Massachusetts State Liquor Laws and the Campus Center Beverage Policy.
Oversee training programs for classified employees on customer service and performance requirements; direct quarterly safety and kitchen-skills training for culinary staff and assist in developing new programs.
Participate in local community associations and activities and represent UMass Catering and the Campus Center Blue Wall as an ambassador.
Participate in or lead meetings with other UMass departments and coordinate work across departments and university administrative processes.
Develop and oversee student labor budgets; oversee student personnel performance and maintain student time records and personnel files.
Perform other duties as required and assist other Dining Services units as business needs direct.
Participate in sensitive employee matters, including disciplinary hearings, grievance hearings, and Labor Relations discussions with Dining Services decision-making authority.
Participate in quality assurance, peer review, and continuing education programs.
Help create a respectful, inclusive environment that supports diversity and contribute to student success.
Promote a positive and respectful workplace through competence, integrity, and collaboration.
Use sensitive or not-yet-public University information only for job responsibilities and prevent unnecessary disclosure.