Food Service Specialist - General Manager (OCA Mocha)

UMBC: Recent Jobs; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

UMBC Mocha seeks a Food Service Specialist - General Manager to lead OCA Mocha, UMBC's community hub and café, ensuring smooth daily operations and strict adherence to university and Health Department standards.

You will supervise staff, manage scheduling and training, and act as the liaison between OCA Mocha and UMBC leadership while promoting a positive guest experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in food service, café, hospitality, or retail operations required.
• Baltimore County Certified Food Service Manager Certification (or ability to obtain) required.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements required.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily café operations and ensure exceptional service.
• Supervise and mentor staff, including Shift Leads and Service Leads.
• Ensure compliance with Health Department standards and university policies.
• Manage scheduling and labor coverage, adjusting staffing during peak hours.
• Oversee onboarding, training, and development of cafe staff.
• Communicate operational needs and performance to UMBC leadership.

Skills

Food safety

Sanitation

Workplace safety

Staff training

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, or related field

Baltimore County Certified Food Service Manager Certification

Job description

Department

OCA Mocha is a unique, multi-purpose community space designed to foster connection between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and neighboring southwestern Baltimore County communities.

The space brings two initiatives under one roof:

• OCA (Opportunities for Community Alliances): Serves as UMBC's community hub, featuring an art gallery, performance stage, meeting room, and offices. OCA connects university resources to the public through programming, arts, outreach, and a student internship program.

• Mocha: The vibrant coffee shop at the heart of the space, owned and operated by UMBC.

Responsibilities

As the Food Service Specialist - General Manager of OCA Mocha, you will provide operational leadership to ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional service, and compliance with all University and Health Department standards. You will directly supervise staff, manage scheduling and training, and oversee daily workflow to keep the café running seamlessly. Serving as the primary operational liaison between OCA Mocha and UMBC leadership, you will bridge day-to-day hospitality with university collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership (25%): Direct daily café functions, oversee service execution, manage workflow, and coordinate staff to deliver a welcoming customer experience.

• Team Supervision (20%): Lead, mentor, and support Shift Leads, Service Leads, and Product Leads in their day-to-day roles.

• Compliance & Safety (15%): Enforce strict adherence to food safety standards, sanitation guidelines, Health Department regulations, cash-handling procedures, and University policies.

• Scheduling & Labor Coverage (15%): Oversee labor coverage, handle scheduling inputs, and make real-time operational adjustments during peak service hours.

• Staff Onboarding & Development (15%): Drive recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing performance support for all café staff.

• Leadership Liaison & Reporting (10%): Proactively communicate operational needs, staffing updates, and performance concerns to UMBC leadership.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.

• Experience: Previous work experience in food service, café, hospitality, or retail operations.

• Certifications: Baltimore County Certified Food Service Manager Certification (or the ability to obtain it upon hire).

• Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements (or the ability to acquire required certifications).

• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, or a related field.

• Experience: Prior supervisory or management experience in a café, food service, hospitality, or retail environment.

Background Screening Statement

A background check will be required.

Closing Date

10/23/26

Screening of Applications Begins

For best consideration, please reply by October 1, 2026.

Salary

Hourly Salary: $23.00

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Hours

Full-time, 40 Hours per week

Type

Temporary, Contingent I

Additional Information

This is a temporary position. Initial contract is for 6 months with the possibility of renewal.

FLSA Status

Nonexempt

Equal Opportunity Statement

UMBC is an Afffirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Title IX

As an institution that receives federal financial assistance, UMBC adheres to Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex. For more information about Title IX and contact information for Title IX Coordinator click here.

Accommodation

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Work Authorization

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

Advertised: Sep 23 2026 09:00 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 23 2026