Assistant Manager Dining Services

Augustana College; Rock Island (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition benefits for employees and affil

Job summary

Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, seeks an Assistant Manager to supervise dining services, plan operations, and lead a team of 20+ staff and student workers. The role partners with the General Manager of Gerber Dining to ensure high-quality food service and efficient operations in a campus setting.

Responsibilities include coordinating production, supervising staff, handling HR tasks, maintaining safety standards, and supporting catering and events with strong attention to cost control

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of similar work experience in food preparation and supervision.
• Proficient in computer software: Word, Excel, e-mail.
• 1-3 years experience with computerized food service management and POS systems.
• Flexible attitude and willingness to perform all aspects of dining service operations during staffing shortages.
• Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to manage employees and student workers to create effective outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Assist, supervise and schedule staff to assure staffing and quality.
• Coordinate with cooks and dining staff to ensure timely, safe, high-quality food production.
• Collaborate with leadership to improve methods, scheduling, equipment use and safety.
• Represent College resources to meet service and budget goals; pursue continual process improvements.
• Supervise and develop staff to minimize waste and maximize productivity.
• Maintain records and generate reports on production and costs.
• Lead HR tasks: recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating.

Skills

Staff supervision

Computer skills

POS systems

Interpersonal skills

Decision making

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma or GED

ServSafe Certification

Tools

POS software

Dining service software

Job description

About Augustana College

Augustana College is a nationally recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences dedicated to investing in engaged learning, maximizing student potential, and strengthening community partnerships - the guiding priorities of our Bold & Boundless Strategic Plan (2024-29). For our 2,500 students from all backgrounds, Augustana provides a transformative experience that integrates rigorous academics, hands‑on learning and mentorship to prepare graduates for meaningful careers and lifelong success.

The college’s scenic, wooded campus is located in Rock Island, Illinois, part of the Quad‑Cities metro area (pop. 470,000) along the Mississippi River, about a 3-hour drive from Chicago. At Augustana, we seek innovative and student‑centered professionals who are excited to contribute to our strategic goals of empowering students through engaged learning, leadership development and real‑world experiences.

Employees at Augustana enjoy an excellent benefit package including medical, retirement, generous paid time off, tuition benefits for employees and their family members, and much more.

Job Title

Assistant Manager

Wage grade

730

Status

Exempt, Full-time

Reports To

General Manager of Gerber Dining

Overview

To schedule, supervise, plan, direct and oversee the work of fulltime, temporary and student staff. Assists in managing all aspects of the production, presentation and service of quality food in Dining Services.

Primary Duties

• Assists, participates in and monitors the preparation and service of foods. Plans, coordinates and supervises the work activity of assigned support staff to assure proper staffing and consistent quality in operations. Pitches in regularly to meet deadlines and during times of staff shortage.
• Works with cooks and other dining services staff to insure that production of food occurs in a timely, safe and efficient manner and meets a high standard of quality.
• Works closely with other members of the dining services leadership team to resolve routine concerns and recommend measures to improve production/service methods, equipment performance, scheduling, quality control, and suggest changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency and safety of the food service operations.
• Represents the interests of the College and of Dining Services leadership in the use of resources to meet service and productivity demands within unit goals and budgets; strives to promote continual process and quality improvement.
• Supervises and develops staff to minimize waste of food and create high levels of productivity.
• Maintains accurate records and generates reports to monitor production and service costs.
• Performs human resources functions including recruitment, interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating, and disciplining of assigned fulltime and student staff. Communicates Augustana’s and Dining Services expectations.
• Oversees and maintains safety and sanitary standards in all service areas according to the Illinois Health Code and Augustana Dining Services standards. Communicates any concerns or changes to employees and takes responsibility for maintaining a safe and compliant working environment. Assures proper storage and labeling of food.
• Assures proper and safe use and maintenance of all equipment. Inspect and coordinate repairs and maintenance of equipment as required.
• Conducts a daily inventory of fresh food as well as other necessary items and places orders to maintain adequate supply. Looks for ways to proactively prevent waste and/or spoilage.
• Assists with monthly inventory, scheduling and payroll reporting as needed. Oversee operations as designated or in the absence of the General Manager.
• Actively participates in all catering or dining services special events to ensure high quality outcomes and a positive experience for guests.
• Conducts staff meetings with service staff. Participates in food service management team meetings and planning meetings; and other College and/or departmental meetings as assigned.
• Participates in departmental and personal professional growth activities.
• Responds to problems arising from inquiries and complaints from staff, students and the public.

Additional Duties

• Plan and assist for special events within Augustana Dining Services
• Assist in menu development
• Assist fulltime employees through peak service times
• Assists in the Retail & Catering Operations or with special events during peak periods.
• Performs various other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position directly supervises 20+ employees per shift as well as a large group of student workers.

Skills & Experience

• 1-3 years of similar work experience in food preparation and supervision
• Must be proficient in computer software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, e-mail)
• Reasonable (1-3 years) experience with computerized food service management and POS systems and software
• Flexible attitude and willingness to perform all aspects of dining service operations during staffing shortages.
• Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal communication skills are necessary
• Ability to manage employees and student workers to create effective outcomes
• Good decision making and prioritization skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Additional Information

Pay and Benefits

This position is budgeted to pay $42,000 - $46,000 per year, commensurate with experience and work history. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support the needs of employees. Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive range of benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts
• Life insurance, disability insurance, and supplemental insurance programs
• Retirement plan with a generous company contribution
• Excellent paid time off/holiday benefits
• Tuition benefits for employees and their family members
• Access to company facilities (gym, pool, health center, etc.)
• You can learn more about our benefit programs at our Benefits website.

Education

High School Diploma or GED with one to three years of food service management experience. Demonstrated food service management, production experience and ServSafe Certification within three months of employment.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional food service environment. This role routinely uses commercial kitchen equipment such as rational ovens, steam kettles, bakery ovens, pizza ovens, and dish washers, along with basic office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax machines and filing cabinets. Schedule consists of a rotating day and evening shifts as well weekend shifts.

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a frequent basis. Also required is the ability to listen, hear, speak, read, write, climb stairs, bend, stoop, and stand for intermittently long periods of time. Must be able to use a computer to accomplish a variety of job tasks.

Expected hours of work

Generally works shifts of 10am-7:30pm, 12pm-8:30pm or 1pm-9:30pm, including weekends. May occasionally work other 8 hours shifts between 6am -10pm to cover other shifts as needed. Will work a minimum of 40 hours per week. When academic classes are not in session and food service is not open, 8 hour shifts between 6am-5pm will be assumed, however occasional service demands may require a later end to shift.

Travel

Little to no off campus travel is expected for this position. However, the Assistant Manager routinely assists with on campus food deliveries therefore candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and pass an MVR check.

EEO Statement

Augustana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is Augustana College’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability and any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

Note

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities are subject to change at any time with or without notice.