Manager, Retail (Hillside)

University of Rochester • City of Rochester, NY

6d • $64,200 - $96,200 • Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

This role oversees the daily operations of a retail location, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to students, faculty, and staff. It involves recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, and supervising lower-level supervisors and other staff members, including represented (Union) staff, depending on location. The position ensures food safety compliance, oversees budget management, and provides excellent customer service. Collaboration with dining services and other department leadership is key to developing programs and events that enhance the customer experience.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, or related field and 3 years of experience in retail or food service management required
• Experience in a leadership role within a university, food service, or related environment required
• Experience working with students required
• Ability to lead and supervise staff required
• Ability to engage in team-building activities with effectiveness required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations required
• Ability to develop and implement strategies to enhance the dining experience required
• Ability to manage budgets, analyze financial data, and optimize operations required
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to be adaptable required
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on operational need required
• ServSafe and other applicable certifications within 1 year required

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Knowledge of sustainability practices preferred

Responsibilities

• Manages day-to-day operations of a retail location, including tracking appropriate inventory levels, monitoring cost control, and service delivery.
• Collaborates with the culinary team to plan a broad array of nutritious menus.
• Ensures food quality standards, presentation, and portion control are maintained consistently across all dining locations.
• Ensures the retail location provides exceptional customer service and addresses customer complaints, feedback, and concerns.
• Develops initiatives to improve the retail experience and plans special promotions.
• Works closely with student groups, faculty, and other departments to support University-wide events.
• Recruits, interviews, approves hiring decisions, orients and trains new employees, including supervisors and student employment staff.
• Provides leadership and support to supervisors responsible for student employees.
• Identifies and promotes professional growth opportunities for both supervisors and students.
• Serves as the primary performance manager for supervisory staff, setting clear expectations and fostering accountability.
• Cultivates a positive, inclusive, and student-centered work environment.
• Recognizes employees and develops and maintains measures of accountability.
• Maintains adequate supervisory staffing coverage and provides leadership and guidance to supervisory staff.
• Addresses personnel issues and actions, including corrective discipline, in accordance with University policies and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Collaborates with department leadership and Labor Relations on Collective Bargaining Agreement matters.
• Attends employee grievances and NYS unemployment hearings as needed.
• Conducts routine operational meetings with staff.
• Ensures student employment staff provide documentation and complete training programs.
• Ensures appropriate employee selection and training in all aspects of food production and customer service.
• Assists in the development and maintains established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Monitors and manages the location's budget, ensuring adherence to financial goals and cost controls.
• Analyzes financial reports, identifies areas for improvement, and implements strategies to optimize profitability.
• Forecasts and orders food and supplies from external vendors.
• Ensures adequate supplies are received in a timely manner while controlling food waste.
• Ensures strict adherence to all health, safety, and food sanitation regulations.
• Conducts regular audits of kitchen and dining facilities to guarantee compliance with health standards.
• Promotes sustainability initiatives within dining operations.
• Promotes effective communication with other support service areas to ensure sanitation and safety.
• Participates in the department’s Quality Assurance program.
• Manages relationships with food and supply vendors.
• Manages inventory levels and implements strategies to reduce waste and improve supply chain efficiency.
• Resolves customer complaints regarding product quality and customer service.
• Identifies and implements strategies to retain and attract customers.
• Addresses food service issues that cannot be resolved through standard procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree