Associate Manager, Management Information Systems

Columbia University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in the City of New York is seeking an Associate Manager in Administration to oversee day-to-day dining systems and drive improvements across operations. You will manage Illumia/NetMenu,Touchwork data, and Cloud POS while collaborating with CUFO-IT and CUIT to ensure service excellence and data integrity.

You will also develop training for managers and staff, monitor system performance, and participate in broader planning to enhance student dining experiences and operational

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education/experience.
• At least 2 years’ experience in Food and Beverage/Hospitality.
• Excellent customer service, administrative and organization skills.
• Proficient in Word and Excel; strong written and oral communication.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administration and daily operation of dining systems.
• Collaborate with CUFO-IT for technical challenges.
• Maintain allergen data and dietary accommodations in Touchwork database.
• Manage POS configurations and pricing with Cloud POS.
• Coordinate staff training programs on systems and platforms.
• Lead special projects and system upgrades; drive process improvements.

Skills

Customer service

Word

Excel

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration


• Bargaining Unit:


• Regular/Temporary: Regular


• End Date if Temporary:


• Hours Per Week: 35


• Standard Work Schedule:


• Building:


• Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Administration, the Associate Manager, Associate Manager, Management Information Systems manages the day-to-day administration, support, and optimization Dining Services food production systems and operational processes. The Associate Manager ensures the effective integration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of dining systems to support business operations, enhance the student experience, and positions Dining Services to meet evolving operational and technological needs.

Responsibilities

Systems Management – 40%

• Oversees the administration and daily operation of Illumia/NetMenu food production and inventory management systems, providing guidance on troubleshooting and resolving hardware, software, and system-related issues. Serves as the primary Dining Services contact and collaborates with CUFO-IT to address complex technical challenges


• Partners with the Registered Dietitian to maintain the Touchwork student database, ensuring the accuracy of allergen information, dietary accommodations, and custom meal ordering processes. Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency and enhance the student experience


• Manages system configuration and maintenance for Dining Services point-of-sale operations, ensuring item catalogs, pricing structures, and register programming remain current and accurate. Works closely with CUFO-IT to support Cloud POS functionality


• Supports mobile ordering operations by monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and coordinating with operations managers to ensure menus, hours, and service offerings accurately reflect current business operations


• Provides secondary support and cross-functional coverage for key systems, including EMS and Blackboard, to ensure business continuity and uninterrupted service


• Collaborates with the Marketing and Communications team to maintain accurate and timely information on dining platforms, including website content, operating hours, announcements, and meal plan communications


• Ensures Dining Services staff have appropriate system access, permissions, and security roles required to perform their responsibilities


• Serves as the primary liaison between Dining Services, CUFO-IT, and CUIT regarding system enhancements, upgrades, integrations, support requests, and technology initiatives

Training – 20%

• Maintains expertise in Dining Services technologies and industry best practices through ongoing training and professional development


• Develops and delivers training programs, documentation, and user support for managers and staff on the effective use of operational systems and technology platforms


• Provides ongoing technical support and guidance to end users, ensuring consistent adoption of system standards and best practices


• Assists the Assistant Director of Administration in coordinating and administering departmental training programs, including HR compliance, culinary operations, health and safety, and Department of Health requirements

Projects – 20%

• Leads and supports special projects, system implementations, business process improvements, and operational initiatives as assigned by the Assistant Director of Administration


• Conducts workflow assessments and recommends technology-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency, data accuracy, service quality, and user experience


• Coordinates testing, implementation, and rollout of system upgrades, new technologies, and process enhancements


• Develops reports and analyzes operational data to support decision-making, identify trends, and measure project outcomes


• May be assigned to function as a member of the Dining Operations management team during special events, emergencies, and periods of increased operational demand, assisting with oversight, decision-making, and staff coordination

Future Planning – 20%

• Monitors emerging trends in food service operations, dining technology, and higher education dining programs to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement


• Partners with Dining Services leadership to evaluate, recommend, and implement technology solutions that improve operational effectiveness and student engagement


• Leverages data analytics, automation, and generative AI tools to streamline processes, enhance reporting capabilities, improve communication, and increase organizational efficiency


• Contributes to long-range planning efforts by identifying future system needs, technology investments, and opportunities to modernize Dining Services operations

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required


• Minimum 2 years’ related experience in Food and Beverage/Hospitality


• Excellent customer service, administrative, and organization skills and the ability to problem solve quickly and efficiently


• Must be proficient in Word and Excel


• Strong written and oral communication skill are required

Preferred Qualifications

• NYC Food Handlers License strongly preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.