About The Position

Fresh Ideas is hiring an energetic and growth minded Director of Culinary and Dining Services on the beautiful campus of K-State University Salina. In this key leadership role, you are responsible for the success of the food service team. Our partnership in Campus Dining is to create a welcoming and nourishing environment for students, faculty, and staff. Your responsibilities will encompass overseeing all aspects of residential campus dining operations while elevating the food service experience. Salina sits right in the heart of central Kansas, making it a surprisingly lively hub for the region. The revitalized downtown features local breweries, cozy cafés, and independent restaurants, along with local favorites like burger joints, pizza spots, and globally inspired eateries that give the city a welcoming, foodie-friendly vibe. Food lovers enjoy everything from classic Midwestern comfort food to chef-driven menus, plus nearby farmers markets and farm-fresh ingredients that reflect the agricultural richness of the area. Outdoor lovers can explore parks and lakes around the city or visit the nearby Rolling Hills Zoo. Another big advantage is Salina’s central location. You’re about an hour from Manhattan (home of the main Kansas State University campus) and roughly 90 minutes from Wichita, the state’s largest city with a vibrant restaurant scene, breweries, museums, and nightlife. As a Dining Director leading dining operations at a growing aerospace campus, Salina offers the chance to make a real impact professionally while enjoying a friendly community, unique local culture, and plenty of nearby adventures.

Requirements

  • 3-5 years of relevant experience in contract food service
  • Supervisory, leadership, management and coaching skills
  • Good communication skills both written and verbal
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • High volume production and catering experience is essential
  • Previous experience managing a budget
  • Desire to learn and grow with a top notch foodservice company

Nice To Haves

  • Experience in CAMPUS/UNIVERSITY food service is preferred
  • BS Hospitality degree preferred
  • Knowledge of financial, budgetary, accounting and computational practices preferred

Responsibilities

  • Maintains excellent relationships with the client, customers and students/faculty
  • Ensures that the food offered to the our guests is of superior quality
  • Drives profitability of the food service account
  • Work with the Chef and management team in creating menus and providing top quality food
  • Oversee all P&L and budgeting as it pertains to the account
  • Roll out new culinary programs
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Management team and associate training and development

Benefits

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
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