Foodservice Operations Manager

Montgomery County Maryland; Manhattan (KS); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University’s Housing and Dining Services is seeking a collaborative leader to direct a dining center, oversee food production, service quality, and operations, and support students and staff.

The ideal candidate has strong foodservice management, financial acumen, and ability to foster an inclusive work environment while driving continuous improvement. On-site role with a focus on high-volume operations and customer service.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma and five years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a food service management, dietetics or related field.
• Experience in high-volume food service and college/university dining is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Unit Director in dining center leadership and operation.
• Support HR functions including training programs and performance reviews.
• Manage fiscal and facility resources to ensure operational excellence.
• Build relationships across Dining Services and academic programs.
• Collaborate to strengthen Housing & Dining Services partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial management

Staff development

Decision making

Strategic thinking

Intercultural relations

Food production

Foodservice operations

Nutrition sciences

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food service management, dietetics or related field

High school diploma

Tools

Word

Excel

Computrition

Job description

About This Role

The successful candidate will be a collaborative and effective leader who is passionate about delivering high-quality food production and service in a dynamic university dining environment. This individual will possess a strong foundation in foodservice management, foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and provide clear direction and support to both students and classified staff. The ideal candidate will communicate effectively, lead by example, thrive in a fast-paced and engaging setting, and enjoy working as part of a team committed to excellence and continuous improvement.

Required competencies include expertise in food production, foodservice operations, and nutrition sciences, as well as demonstrated abilities in communication, interpersonal and intercultural relations, decision‑making, financial management, staff development, coaching and leadership, strategic thinking, maintaining high work standards, and achieving organizational goals and results. The successful candidate will be committed to professional growth while contributing to the ongoing success of the university dining program.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Assisting the Unit Director in the overall leadership and operation of a dining center, including shared responsibility for customer service, food production management, facility operations, and general foodservice administration. Supporting Dining Services initiatives that address students’ specialized dietary needs.
• Assisting with human resource management functions, including developing employee training and educational programs that encourage job success and professional growth, as well as preparing and delivering employee performance reviews and related documentation.
• Assisting in the effective management of fiscal and facility resources to support operational excellence.
• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues across Dining Services and other departmental functional areas.
• Collaborating with the unit management team to strengthen partnerships between Housing & Dining Services and academic colleges and programs.

About Us

• Housing and Dining Services (HDS) is a self-operated auxiliary unit comprising four functional areas: Dining Services, Business Operations, Facilities Management, and Residence Life and Apartment Living. Dining Services supports students living in ten residence halls, a scholarship house, and an on-campus apartment complex through three residential dining centers.
• Dining Services is led by a management team that includes the Associate Director of Housing and Dining, Assistant Directors, an Administrative Dietitian overseeing menu management, a Purchasing Administrator, and Registered Dietitians and Operations Managers with specialized responsibilities across the residential dining program. Together, this team provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and support to ensure high-quality dining experiences and effective program administration.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and five years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a food service management, dietetics or related field.
• One year experience in food service management, with emphasis on high volume feeding in a fast paced food service environment.
• Experience may include foodservice positions held while in college.
• College and university foodservice experience.
• Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets, preferably in Word and Excel and menu management software, preferably Computrition.

Additional Role Information:

• Prefer RDN/LD eligible
• Food Safety Certification
• Ability to work variable hours, including evenings and week-ends

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Application Window

Applications close on: October 2, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$55,000-$63,000 annual