General Manager

Princeton University • Princeton, NJ

6d

About The Position

Princeton University is seeking an accomplished General Manager to lead the launch of a dining operation for its newest residential college. The role offers the opportunity to build a program from the ground up and shape a distinctive dining culture and experience that helps students, faculty, and staff connect and belong. Working closely with Campus Dining leadership, the General Manager brings operational expertise, develops high-performing teams, and supports an exceptional dining experience.

Reporting to the Associate Director, the General Manager oversees all aspects of the dining facility, including hiring, training, and managing frontline associates. In collaboration with the Executive Chef, the General Manager oversees the dining program, menus, and meal plans. The position requires a strong operational background and the ability to identify and implement changes informed by food-service trends, culinary objectives, and sustainability practices. The role also supports team members’ development and helps deliver a culinary program that meets or exceeds customer expectations.

This is an essential personnel role that requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. A cover letter is required for full consideration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Foodservice/Hospitality Management or equivalent.
• At least 8 years of progressive leadership or management experience in the hospitality or food-service industry.
• Knowledge of New Jersey State health department rules and regulations.
• ServSafe certification, or the ability to obtain and maintain certification.
• Experience managing in a union environment.
• Ability to ensure compliance with state, local, and university food-safety and workplace-safety policies and procedures, including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Ability to build a cohesive team and implement policies and procedures that maintain service standards.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to influence teams, drive results, and foster a positive work environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Knowledge of and experience with computerized food-production systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to meet the listed physical requirements, including standing or walking for 6–8 hours per day, lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally, pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds occasionally, and performing the stated bending, squatting, kneeling, stair-climbing, reaching, overhead lifting, and mobility activities.
• Ability to work under a range of temperature conditions, including kitchens and walk-in refrigerators and freezers.

Responsibilities

• Respond to changing business needs and priorities while balancing strategic thinking with tactical implementation.
• Provide excellent customer service and recommend improvements to dining and services based on patron feedback.
• Help develop and implement innovative programs that support food production, preparation, distribution, and sustainability.
• Support or work in other Campus Dining units as assigned.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and manage the performance of unit staff.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and union leadership to deliver services to the campus community.
• Maintain sanitation and safety standards in compliance with applicable health and safety regulations.
• Oversee implementation of unit Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) and safety programs.
• Promote a safe work environment by addressing hazards, investigating and reporting incidents, enforcing safety rules and procedures, and working with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) on training programs.
• Manage unit-level financial performance, including operating budgets, food and labor costs, purchasing, inventory controls, billing, payroll, and accounting procedures.
• Partner with Campus Dining administrative and finance teams on budget planning, forecasting, reforecasting, and responsible stewardship of university resources.
• Plan and execute large-scale university events, including reunions and commencement.
• Support Campus Dining and University Services initiatives, including sustainability, wellness, and events.
• Lead change and continuous process improvement.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

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