Job Title:

Associate Director, Operational Excellence, University Culinary Services

 Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary:

 $84,974 - $118,866

Basic Function:

Provides leadership for the culinary vision and supports organizational strategy. Responsible for setting initiatives, overseeing operational workforce, and liaising with People, Culture and Belonging for employee relations and talent acquisition processes. Provides direction and standards for procurement process flows, facility and project oversight, and provides standards for quality assurance and continual improvement and training. Reports to the Senior Director, University Culinary Services (UCS), or designated supervisor.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Plan, review, and coordinate execution of workforce protocols. Provide strategic oversight of labor management for a multi-million dollar self-operated university dining program, ensuring efficient staffing models align with operational needs and financial sustainability; develop and implement benchmarks and goal strategies for labor and provide tools for operations to successfully meet their goals.

Provide oversight of personnel administration of culinary systems, purchasing, and facilities, to include the direct supervision of unclassified, classified, and bargaining unit employees, and the establishment and implementation of policies and procedures. Utilize data and labor metrics (e.g. productivity, overtime, turnover) to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Lead and represent Culinary Services in collective bargaining negotiations, hearings and bid-shift processes. Maintain departmental work rules for full-time and student team members. Serve as the liaison between university administration, People, Culture and Belonging, and dining leadership on labor-related policies, grievances, and negotiations, advocating for operational needs while maintaining compliance.

Develop, implement, and oversee standard operating procedures and food and dining presentation standards in partnership with the UCS senior leadership team. Implement and oversee training and professional development programs, ensuring staff receive the necessary skills, certifications, and ongoing learning opportunities to enhance service and safety standards. Partner with managers in developing talent and further enhancing culinary and leadership skills of staff.

Establish systems and processes to ensure quality assurance and product acceptability in all dining locations. Provide feedback to stakeholders and monitor processes, including conducting operational site visits for inspections for cleanliness, customer service and brand representation standards.

Direct, plan, and coordinate safety objectives and programs to ensure a healthy and safe environment.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, or a related field. Six years of progressively responsible experience in a dining environment. Must have experience in commercial or university food service operation. Must have experience operating in two of the three: retail, residential, and catering operations.

License/Certification:

Ohio Department of Health Level Two certification in Food Protection. If not from Ohio must obtain within six months of employment.

Knowledge Of:

Culinary equipment and facilities

Budgeting and inventory control of food

Menu management systems, and/or food ordering systems and recipe development systems

Retail, residential or catering operations

Skill In:

Strategic planning

Supervising others

Written, verbal, and interpersonal communication *

Developing and facilitating staff development

Budget management

Ability To:

Work collaboratively with students, families, faculty, and staff at all levels in a complex and diverse environment

Provide leadership and direction to others

Communicate clearly and work effectively in an environment characterized by change

Respond calmly and quickly to challenging situations

Work independently and as part of a team

Manage multiple projects and assignments

Adhere to deadlines

Foster a positive work environment

Work non-traditional hours, including evening and weekends as needed

Being able to synthesize information, communicate data, and collaborate and produce action plans ensuring follow-through

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Experience in a higher education environment.

Experience managing multi-units.

Experience operating retail, residential, and catering operations.

Union management experience

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

None. 

Working Schedule:

 Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM or otherwise discussed with your supervisor. 

Additional Information:

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

Must pass a security check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr. 

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.