Assistant Retail Manager

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is hiring an Assistant Retail Manager to oversee Food & Beverage operations at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel. This role involves managing daily operations, cooking, supervising staff, and ensuring guest satisfaction across various food outlets.

Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage a dynamic team. The position emphasizes cultivating positive relationships with both guests and staff, and maintaining high safety standards.

Qualifications

• 5 years of related experience.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in leading and coaching teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations for Food & Beverage outlets.
• Supervise frontline staff for quality service.
• Monitor inventory and manage cash handling.
• Ensure cleanliness and compliance with standards.
• Develop relationships with guests and staff.

Skills

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Staff scheduling

Effective communication

Leadership

Customer service

Relationship building

Computer proficiency

Knowledge of food safety

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Point of Sale systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Assistant Retail Manager serves as the on‑duty operations leader for all Food & Beverage outlets at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, providing shift‑level management across the Bulldog Bistro, coffee bar, and Savannah Room. This position oversees daily dining operations and leads a diverse team of hospitality professionals, including full‑time and part‑time baristas, retail staff, and servers. Reporting to the General Manager of Restaurants, the Assistant Retail Manager supports a service‑driven culture that emphasizes guest satisfaction, employee engagement, and compliance with health and safety standards. As the lead on assigned shifts, this role is responsible for ensuring efficient operations, consistent service quality, and a high standard of food and beverage delivery. The Assistant Retail Manager provides frontline leadership through staff supervision, real‑time performance management, and coordination of daily operational needs, while also maintaining oversight of financial controls, inventory levels, responsible alcohol service, and compliance with University and regulatory requirements. This position serves as a key point of coordination during emergent situations and plays an essential role in delivering exceptional and memorable dining experiences for Georgia Center guests.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work effectively in a fast‑paced service environment.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to schedule staff, assign work, and provide shift‑level supervision.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead, coach, and support frontline service staff.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to resolve guest concerns.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff, management, and patrons.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn POS and scheduling systems.
• Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing operational needs and work varied schedules.

Physical Demands

Stand for long periods of time under conditions of high temperature. Lift, pull or roll at least 30 lbs. Bend, kneel and work with hands. Driving as needed to perform job duties.

Operational Leadership and Financial Responsibilities (40%)

• Serve as the on‑duty shift lead for Food & Beverage operations, including the Bulldog Bistro and Bar, and Savannah Room.
• Supervise and support frontline staff to ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality food, beverage, and customer service.
• Actively manage floor operations, resolve guest concerns, and adjust staffing or service flow as needed to maintain service excellence.
• Monitor inventory levels for food, beverage, and operational supplies. Identify shortages or discrepancies and communicate needs to staff to support uninterrupted service.
• Model professional hospitality standards and promote a positive, service‑oriented environment for guests and staff.
• Oversee daily cash handling processes, including cash drawer counts and reconciliation, Point of Sale reporting, tip compliance, and timely submission of accurate deposits to the Business & Finance Department.

Operational Standards, Cleanliness, and Quality Control (20%)

• Ensure compliance with established operational procedures, cleanliness standards, food safety regulations, and service expectations.
• Monitor food presentation, outlet appearance, and sanitation practices to meet or exceed guest expectations.
• Uphold health and safety standards for both guests and employees.
• Oversee responsible alcohol service in accordance with state law and University policy.
• Identify opportunities to improve service efficiency, consistency, and overall guest experience.
• Serve as the primary point of coordination during emergency situations, including guest and staff evacuations.

Staffing, Training, and Performance Support (20%)

• Ensure adequate staffing coverage for all shifts; approve schedule adjustments and release hourly staff during slow operational periods as appropriate.
• Assist upper management with onboarding, training, and ongoing development of service staff, including full‑time, part‑time, and student employees.
• Reinforce service standards, food handling procedures, and operational guidelines through coaching and hands‑on leadership.
• Provide real‑time feedback, guidance, and mentorship during shifts.
• Support cross‑training efforts to promote operational flexibility and staff growth.

Guest Relationships and Engagement (10%)

• Build and maintain positive relationships with regular patrons and campus partners.
• Provide personalized service and respond professionally to guest feedback and concerns.
• Communicate guest feedback and service trends to management as appropriate.
• Contribute to an environment that encourages repeat business and positive guest experiences.

Operational Support Across the Georgia Center (10%)

• Support other departments within the Georgia Center as assigned, particularly during high‑volume periods or special events.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless service and consistent operational coverage.
• Other duties as assigned.

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR [e-mail].

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning and the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

University of Georgia (UGA) Website

For more information, visit https://www.uga.edu/.