Washington University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Associate Director of Dining Operations for Washington University in St. Louis is a leadership role responsible for managing the Dining Services team and support staff, facilitating and leading dining projects for the on campus living environment at Washington University.

A progressive leader that will assist in the continuous improvement and development of the overall success of the retail, residential and catering program.  This leader will assist in maintaining high levels of satisfaction for students, faculty, staff, guests and other campus community stakeholders.  As a member of the Washington University Dining leadership team this person will have strategic planning, financial accountability, conceptual ideation for programs and initiatives, compliance with safety and sanitation regulations, operational efficiency, culinary excellence, sustainability and local food sourcing with our partners in the management of dining operations for contract and/or a self-operated staff.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Operational Leadership.

• Serve as a member of Washington University dining leadership with responsibility for assisting with planning and directing the administrative, operational and support staff for a multi-unit dining operation.
• Work with dining managers to plan, develop and administer the operational policies and procedures, food production standards and methods of Wash U Dining Services.
• Work with the Assistant Director of Nutrition & Wellness in planning menu guidelines and the development of nutrition awareness & programming.
• Advise the Executive Director in planning and implementation of objectives, short and long-term programs for Dining Services consistent with comprehensive strategic planning, goals and objectives of the University, Dining Services and Residential Life.
• Provide assistance and support in developing and implementing plans for operational improvements, renovations, and new construction to respond to the needs and expectations of faculty, staff, and students that reside inside and outside of the residential community.
• Direct the project management of technology for dining operations, meal plan decisions and act as a liaison with the Card Office, IT, Menu Management development and the Business Office.  Support supervisory staff, leading project development with IT and student IT staff.
• Work with the Executive Director on supervising national and internal brand concepts and ensure food and service quality and compliance with all brand standards.
• Administer and oversee management staff for dining equipment & maintenance, make recommendations for equipment, capital planning and purchasing protocol for dining operations.
• Understand health and safety standards in compliance with University, state and federal codes and regulations.
• Participate in the analysis and development of current and future needs of Washington University Dining Services.
• Establish an environment of team and individual accountability.
• Represent Wash U Dining as the client contact on diverse programming opportunities, management advisory of projects and provides guidance, collaboration, and support to other Wash U Dining project team members.
• Support departmental initiatives including student engagement and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• Represent the Executive Director of Washington University Dining Services as a member of University, Division, and Department committees with authority to make decisions in the Executive Director’s absence.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

2. Planning and Communication.

• Coordinate with WUDS Marketing to develop and assist the dining leadership team in the development of projects and strategies using best industry practices to enhance current programs for students and clients of the Wash U community.
• Assist the Executive Director in the perception of value, flexibility, responsiveness, convenience and accessibility of retail dining products and services including improved and expanded menu options, and continuing enhancement of the residential community.
• Meet with members of the Dining Services Advisory Team and other student groups, conference clients, and representatives from other departments contracting for services provided by Wash U dining operations to ensure that requirements and expectations are met or exceeded.
• Confer with and interpret dining services programs and services to students, faculty, staff and the public and university at large.
• Coordinate and implement marketing efforts for dining and the campus community utilizing the marketing department and Washington University Public relations when deemed appropriate
• Assist the Executive Director in evaluating the effectiveness of food services activities, and provide assistance and support in the implementation of organizational changes, policy and procedure revisions and new equipment applications to meet the constantly changing needs of the diverse population served.
• Attend seminars and conferences as determined in consultation with the Executive Director to meet the needs of the department.

3. Programmatic Leadership.

• Assist the Executive Director in planning, directing, and administering programs, policies and procedures in the areas of dining nutrition, special diets, sustainability, marketing, food safety and programming.
• Represent Dining for student programming, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion excellence, student programming, academic partnerships, and community engagement.

4. Financial Leadership.

• Assist in the preparations of budget projections & dashboards for Wash U Dining operations for review and approval of the Executive Director.
• Review and monitor operational budgets for dining services and provide counsel and advice to management staff.
• Utilize financial data and statistics to aid informed decision-making.
• Provide information to the Executive Director in the preparation of special and periodic reports for University administration.
• Develop and support initiatives for growth and increased efficiency of the residential dining program.
• Participate in sales & marketing efforts and new business development for technology improvements.

5. Human Resource Management.

• Participate with the Director in the recruitment, selection, training, development, evaluation and discipline of food services management, supervisory and support staff for Wash U dining.
• Provide on-boarding assistance, policy and procedures, implementation techniques, and strategy. Establish an environment of accountability for performance, commitments and professionalism.
• Maintain positive working relationships with contractual leadership and employees.

6. Perform other duties as assigned.

This position includes travel to on- and off-campus locations with hours outside typical office hours.

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. Current employees applying for a new position within the university may be subject to this requirement. The screenings will include a criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

• Bachelor's degree in food service management, culinary arts, nutrition, business, or a combination of equivalent experience.
• Up to three years of multi-unit operational experience in the hospitality industry at the management level with demonstrated progressive growth of managed volume.�
• ServSafe license for food handling.
• Experience in the management of self-operated, contracted, regional, and national brands.
• Experience in retail sales and operations.
• Experience with safety and sanitation, dining technology systems (Food Pro preferred), vendor relations, and sustainability.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial and other data.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet established goals and objectives.
• Professional appearance, attire and demeanor.
• Ability to learn computer software and utilize effectively, and work at the computer for extended periods of time.
• Highly organized with good time management skills.
• Hospitality-oriented with particular interest in working with college students.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and provide leadership for a diverse workforce.
• Merchandising/marketing experience.
• ServSafe certified within 60 days from date of hire as a condition of employment.
• Ability to legally work in the United States.
• Ability to travel to on- and off-campus locations.
• Ability to work hours outside typical office hours required.

• Master's degree.
• Five years of experience in a multi-unit college or university environment with demonstrated progressive growth of managed volume.
• Experience with a contracted and collective bargained workforce.
• Experience in construction, renovating and rehabilitation of dining facilities.
• ServSafe Master Trainer certification.

Base pay commensurate with experience.

Please attach a copy of your most current signed performance evaluation (completed within the last 18 months) to your online account.  If you have not received a performance evaluation, you may provide two current signed letters of recommendation (written within the last 18 months), preferably to include one letter from either a current or recent former supervisor.  To attach these documents, go to:  My Career Tools, Add Attachment, Attachment Type – Performance Reviews or Letters of Recommendation.

This position is full-time and works approximately 37.5 hours per week. 

This position is in the Department of Food Services for the Danforth Campus.

This position is eligible for full-time benefits.  Please click the following link to view a summary of benefits:  https://wustl.box.com/s/8wkhs25yssf0775x9d6nd6vqa7obpth7.