Dining & Guest Service Lead - Assistant Retail Manager

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for the Assistant Retail Manager position within the Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens. You will oversee Bulldog Bistro, coffee bar, and Savannah Room, directing diverse staff to deliver high-quality dining experiences.

Reporting to the General Manager of Restaurants, you will ensure service excellence, manage inventory and safety standards, and handle scheduling.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience.
• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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-orientation culture.
• 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.
• Ensure adequate staffing coverage for all shifts; approve schedule adjustments and release hourly staff during slow periods.
• 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.
• 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.
• Support other Georgia Center departments during high-volume periods or events.

Skills

Multitasking

Organization

Staff scheduling

Communication

Leadership

Customer service

Team building

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

POS systems

Food safety knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling software

Job description

The University of Georgia invites applications for the Assistant Retail Manager position within the Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in Athens. You will oversee Bulldog Bistro, coffee bar, and Savannah Room, directing diverse staff to deliver high-quality dining experiences.

Reporting to the General Manager of Restaurants, you will ensure service excellence, manage inventory and safety standards, and handle scheduling.