Campus Dining Café Manager: Lead Operations

vassar; City of Poughkeepsie (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Vassar College's Campus Dining - Retreat is seeking a Cafe Manager to provide day-to-day operational leadership for assigned Dining Services operations. The Cafe Manager maintains a strong presence on the dining floor, ensuring staffing, organization, safety, and adherence to standards for service, food presentation, sanitation, and guest experience.

The role supervises Dining Services Supervisors, coaches staff, and collaborates with leadership to support cohesive dining operations.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience with coaching and accountability.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders including culinary and operations leadership.
• Comfort using technology to support scheduling, operational, and administrative functions.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible day-to-day leadership on the dining floor and ensure operations are staffed, organized, and operating effectively.
• Supervise and coach Dining Services Supervisors and staff, including unionized staff reviews and coaching under the collective bargaining agreement.
• Monitor food presentation, service, sanitation, safety, cleanliness, and guest experience; participate in monthly safety audits.
• Work with the Dining Staffing Manager to support staffing, scheduling, deployments, call-outs, and coverage.
• Support catering and other Dining Services operations, including staffing, logistics, event execution, and coordination with campus departments.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef, culinary team, and Bon Appétit to ensure integrated operations and coordination.
• Partner with the Campus Dietitian to address dietary needs and ensure correct labeling of menu items.
• Communicate with stakeholders, including management, students, and staff, and respond to concerns.
• Support implementation of Dining Services policies, procedures, training, and service standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service, staffing, and student dining experience.
• Participate in Dining Services meetings and safety meetings; contribute to planning and training.
• Partner with Director of Operations and Campus Executive Chef to meet financial labor goals.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Supervisory/leadership experience

Technology for scheduling/administrat

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Three years of high-volume food service/ hospitality experience

Job description

Vassar College's Campus Dining - Retreat is seeking a Cafe Manager to provide day-to-day operational leadership for assigned Dining Services operations. The Cafe Manager maintains a strong presence on the dining floor, ensuring staffing, organization, safety, and adherence to standards for service, food presentation, sanitation, and guest experience.

The role supervises Dining Services Supervisors, coaches staff, and collaborates with leadership to support cohesive dining operations.