Assistant Manager II

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University’s Hospitality Services is seeking an experienced Catering Manager or Supervisor to oversee operations across campus locations. You will assist in scheduling multi‑unit staff, manage menus and recipes, oversee food costing, and ensure safety and quality standards are met while delivering exceptional customer service seven days a week.

The role requires a College Diploma in Food and Beverage Management or equivalent, plus a minimum of three years in junior management in food

Qualifications

• College diploma in Food and Beverage Management or equivalent.
• Minimum three years in junior management or supervisory role in food services.
• Food safety auditing experience and union environment management experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day supervision of Hospitality Services operations.
• Support menu development, recipe testing, and food costing.
• Ensure food quality and presentation meet recipes and standards.
• Coordinate multi-unit schedules and labour planning.
• Lead training and ensure health and safety protocols.

Skills

Food and Beverage management

Staff scheduling

Food cost control

Customer service

Union experience

Education

College Diploma in Food and Beverage Management

Job description

Schedule

7 Days a week operation and available to wok variety of shifts, including days, mid-shifts, closing shifts, and weekends.

College Diploma in Food and Beverage Management or equivalent

Minimum of three years in junior management or supervisory capacity in Hotel, Commercial or institution food services. Food Safety Auditing experience required Management experience in a unionized environment required

Job Description

Hospitality Services is a McMaster department committed to enhancing the campus life experience by supporting the University vision and by fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. Hospitality Services provides the McMaster community with an evolving variety of global cuisine options while striving to create a positive work environment. Our staff (210 unionized, 250 non-unionized) work throughout more than 20 locations to serve vegetarian choices, international food menus, healthy options, quick snacks and made‑to‑order entrees seven days a week.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Manager, Catering Manager or Chef Manager, the incumbent assists in the effective management of the operations as assigned; supports the manager in ordering of food and supplies, cash controlling, scheduling of multi‑unit staff, menu and recipe development, food costing and food quality, marketing, maintaining and improving service and safety standards. This position involves front‑line customer services and food service functions which consist of working side by side with employees to maximize efficiency, quality and services in various shops and/or catering functions, including setup and clean up. Additional responsibilities will include working with external food safety auditors, strategic hiring planning and job fair execution and pandemic Health & Safety responsibility, plus any other managerial or culinary functions as assigned.

Accountabilities:

1. Operational Management

• Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Chef Manager, Catering Manager or Associate Manager, assist in the day‑to‑day supervision of operations within Hospitality Services.
• Provides supervision and direction to employees.
• Operates under objectives set by the Senior Manager, Chef Manager, Catering Manager or Associate Manager.
• Assists in the monitoring of operational functions of assigned operation; including ensuring supplies and items ordered, identifying and recommending labour and food cost issues, and be conscious of the operational contribution of the unit.
• Assists with the identification, development and implementation of an effective service delivery model which balances food quality, sustainability and customer service by working closely with employees to understand the operational needs, by seeking input from customers and by communicating industry trends to the Associate Manager, Catering Manager, Chef Manager or Senior Manager.
• Assists with menu development, recipe development and testing, including recipe specifications, portion sizes and food costing.
• Supports and monitors food quality, consistency and presentation to ensure established recipes and standards are followed.
• Unit liaison/point of contact with external Food Safety/Secret Shopper auditor. Upon audit review, makes recommendations and develops action plans for corrective measures.
• Monitors inventory level, assists in ordering food and supplies.
• Develops and manages multi‑unit schedules.
• Ensures marketing, operational standards and service standards are executed and followed within assigned units.
• Assists with providing training to employees.
• Provides hands‑on culinary guidance and training to employees as required, including food preparation, cooking, recipe execution and food presentation.
• Involved in front‑line customer service, food preparation, set‑up and clean‑up when needed in peak demand.
• Acts as an escalation point for customers.

2. Human Resource Management

• Establish work priorities, shows employees how to do tasks, allocates staff and provides direction to union/casual staff during a shift.
• Works closely with Senior Manager on strategic hiring planning and execution of job fairs. This includes social media promotion, securing locations, arranging for materials and logistics.
• Assists with providing training by working side by side with employees to understand where training gaps exist, suggesting training programs to the Associate Manager, Catering Manager, Chef Manager or Senior Manager.
• Leads and ensures execution of pandemic Health & Safety and Food Safety protocols with unit staff, taking corrective actions when needed. Develops cleaning recommendations and protocols based on Public Health standards.
• Fosters and supports a team‑based work environment, empowering staff as they provide exceptional customer service.
• Encourages staff to achieve high standards and apply creative skills in the preparation and presentation of food items.
• Ensures healthy and safe working conditions for the staff to achieve objectives of injury reduction.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self‑identification in relation to equity‑seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on‑site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in‑person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third‑party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.