Floating General Manager

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

5h • Hybrid

About The Position

Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) seeks a Floating General Manager to provide leadership and oversight for residential dining facilities. Reporting to the Director of Residential Dining Operations, this role is responsible for the operational aspects of a quality dining service program and for maximizing customer satisfaction among students, Faculty Deans, faculty, and University guests. The manager may work across one or more residential dining units and provide temporary or ongoing coverage, support, or leadership at different locations as operational needs change. Assignments may involve staffing coverage, special events, seasonal demands, and other priorities, so schedule and location flexibility are required.

The position leads exempt management teams and unionized, non-exempt staff; manages employee relations and labor practices; and oversees dining operations, food safety, quality assurance, inventory, customer service, events, facilities, sustainability initiatives, and unit finances. The role works closely with students, House personnel, University stakeholders, Human Resources, and HUDS management. It requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, at least seven years of relevant work experience, and supervisory experience. The position is full-time at 40 hours per week, is hybrid, and may require work at different Harvard residential dining locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least 7 years of relevant work experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Strong business acumen, including budgeting, financial analysis, and human resources management, with sound independent judgment.
• Success delivering high-quality, customer-focused service in a fast-paced, complex operation.
• Experience supervising and developing exempt staff, working in a unionized environment, and handling labor and employee relations.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse community and varied stakeholders.
• Strong organization, time management, and multitasking skills, including managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills, including the ability to address complex situations and negotiate outcomes.
• Flexibility, resilience, adaptability to frequent change, and composure under pressure.
• Professionalism, ethics, and integrity, with commitment to HUDS and University values.
• Passion for food and familiarity with culinary, nutrition, and dining trends.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel, and ability to learn new software and systems.
• Experience with industrial kitchen operations and equipment, such as dishwashers, ovens, and ventilation systems.
• Experience with food-service technology and computerized menu management systems such as FoodPro, and workforce/timekeeping systems such as Kronos.
• Ability to obtain ServSafe certification within six months of employment.
• Ability and willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays and serve on call as needed.
• Ability to lift approximately 20 to 30 pounds, bend, stoop, and perform other physical exertion.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive leadership experience in food service management, preferably in university or higher-education dining, with responsibility for multiple business lines or service units.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct a diverse team of exempt and unionized, non-exempt employees, fostering communication, fairness, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Maintain regular communication and professional relationships with front-line staff and Union Shop Stewards.
• Interview and hire candidates within approved staffing patterns; complete required probationary employee evaluations.
• Communicate and implement performance expectations through coaching, mentoring, and staff meetings; conduct annual performance evaluations for exempt staff.
• Consult with Human Resources on corrective action and ensure employment practices comply with collective bargaining agreements and University policies.
• Participate in grievance hearings and arbitrations and submit grievance responses within required timelines.
• Work with the management team to maintain accurate Kronos records and process timecards and absence requests promptly.
• Assist with developing and implementing policies, procedures, and training.
• Manage assigned residential dining units, including multiple units or temporary deployments, and ensure compliance with food safety, occupational safety, and customer service expectations.
• Implement HUDS and University quality assurance procedures for food, sanitation, equipment, facilities, and safety.
• Monitor FoodPro menu and inventory management, cost controls, loss prevention, weekly inventory audits, and appropriate inventory levels.
• Build positive relationships with students and provide customer service that accommodates specialty diets and nutritional needs.
• Maintain working relationships with Deans, House personnel, students, and other stakeholders; participate in House Committees as assigned.
• Sell, plan, and execute catered events ranging from house events to campus-wide and commencement events.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is operational and submit repair requests as needed.
• Keep unit facilities organized and in good repair, including kitchens, dining rooms, servery, and storage and receiving areas.
• Implement and manage unit-specific sustainability goals and programs.
• Develop and manage unit budgets and ensure financial tasks, reporting, and records are completed accurately and on time.
• Manage annual operating budgets, including MORS and food and labor cost goals.
• Submit and review invoices and PCard documentation for accuracy in accordance with HUDS procedures.
• Identify creative approaches to improve financial viability, including cost-reduction initiatives.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with University contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager