Associate Director of Dining Services (Franklin Zone)

The University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks an Associate Director of Dining Services to lead operations in a vibrant dining environment. This role involves managing multiple dining locations, ensuring high-quality service, and overseeing financial responsibilities. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and experience in food service management, with a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Join a dynamic team dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences in a scenic campus setting, where your contributions will enhance the community's culinary landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 3-5 years of relevant experience.
• ServSafe certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff and manage multiple dining locations.
• Ensure adherence to food and labor budgets.
• Oversee training programs for employees.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory Practices

Food Safety Management

Operational Planning

Customer Service

Education

Bachelor's Degree

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Associate Director of Dining Services (Franklin Zone)

Apply now Job no: 527001
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Franklin Dining Commons
Union: PSU
Categories: Food Service/Hospitality, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Residential Dining Operations, the Associate Director of Dining Operations is responsible for the management of multiple dining locations and will perform in accordance with university policy, administrative duties as outlined; and is responsible for multi-unit supervision of all zone dining operations including responsibility and oversight of a management team, supervisors, and chefs. The Associate Director of Dining Operations has financial oversight and responsibility for their area revenue and expenses.

Essential Functions

• Provides leadership to and supervises staff; engages in the operational planning, development, and delivery of services provided by units within the Dining Zone including Dining Commons, Retail Cafes, Central Production, and Concession Operations; responsible for all personnel actions and for interviewing, hiring, training, and evaluating all direct and indirectly supervised personnel; establishes and maintains performance goals for Dining Zone Services that are consistent with the mission and objectives of UMass Amherst.
• Supervises all food preparation and service to include delivery, storage, rotation, and proper use of all food stuffs, equipment and ware washing chemicals according to University policies. Additionally, oversees the logistics and coordination of product, menu, and inventory for the respective zone.
• Creates, staffs, schedules, and manages “Special Functions” that fall within the guidelines of Dining Commons Services.
• Responsible for monitoring with strict adherence to all established food and labor budgets assigned to the dining commons and retail cafes within the respective zone.
• Accountable for preparation of daily meal count report, daily food temperature charts, and prepares and maintains inventory records of all small wares.
• Provides high quality service of nutritionally balanced meals in an environmentally safe and healthy atmosphere, reviews and makes major menu adjustments as needed.
• Oversees training program instituted by administration for all classified employees with regard to customer service and employee performance requirements. Assists in the development of new programs and maintains all training material files.
• Maintains non-exempt employee personnel time records, requests for leave, sick records, and overtime report forms.
• Develops and oversees labor budget for students. Oversees student personnel performance, maintains student time records and personnel files.

Other Functions

• Participates in sensitive employee-related matters, such as conducting disciplinary hearings; acts as a grievance hearing officer and/or participates in labor relations discussions with decision-making authority for Dining Services.
• Participates in programs of quality assurance, peer review, and continuing education.
• Contributes to the creation of a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
• Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university-related information only in the performance or the responsibilities of the position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.
• Other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree with three to five years of relevant experience.
• ServSafe certification required (must be obtained within 6 months of hire).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to navigate a high pressure, demanding work environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and be on call for emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, or culinary arts.
• Experience on a large educational campus.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Experience in the public sector.

Supervision Exercised

• Number of non-student employees directly supervised: 130
• Number of non-student employees indirectly supervised: 150
• Average number of student employees supervised at any given time: 160

This position is designated as essential personnel.

Work Schedule

Must be willing to work an irregular work schedule including weekends and holidays.

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Apr 30 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jul 25 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

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