Production Manager, Food Service

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Employee scholarship programs

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking a Dining Services Production Manager to oversee menu item production for student meals and special events. You will assist with supervision of dining center operations, ensure quality, safety, and consistency, and work with managers to evaluate and standardize recipes using the campus menu system.

The role emphasizes hands-on production, adherence to health and safety standards, and leadership to foster a positive team environment for staff, students,

Qualifications

• 4 years culinary/food service production experience in high-volume dining.
• Ability to supervise large quantity food production.
• Knowledge of safe food handling techniques and tools.
• Knowledge of recipes adherence and food production policies.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the management and supervision of other operational areas of the university residence hall dining center.
• Plan and coordinate production of menu items for student meals and events with hands-on participation.
• Ensure adherence to recipes and production policies to maintain quality and consistency.
• Collaborate with managers and team leaders to evaluate and standardize recipes using the menu system.
• Maintain a positive working environment for employees.
• Provide a safe, inviting atmosphere with healthful meal choices and quality service.

Skills

Culinary production

Staff supervision

Event catering

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in food/culinary/hospitality or business

Tools

Electronic payroll systems

Computerized food management systems

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Working Title

Production Manager, Food Service

Department

Housing: Knoll Res Cnt-Willa Cather Dining-6777

Requisition Number

S_260791

Posting Open Date

09/30/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

10/14/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Dining Service Production Manager will:

• Assist with the management and supervision of other operational areas of the university residence hall dining center.
• Plan and coordinates the production of menu items for student meal service and special events by providing hands‑on participation of safe and high‑quality meal preparation.
• Ensure adherence to recipes and food production policies and procedures for overall product consistency, quality, freshness and appearance.
• Work in conjunction with the manager, assistant manager(s) and team leaders on product evaluation and in using the menu management system to develop, improve, evaluate/standardize recipes.
• Maintain a positive working environment for employees.
• Provide a safe and inviting atmosphere, healthful meal choices, and quality service in an environment that promotes community, growth, and education of our students, staff, faculty and guests.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. Our campus is known for its welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

Benefits

When you join our team as a full‑time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options, including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Robust retirement plans with university match
• Associate’s or equivalent education/experience in Culinary/food related field
• 4 years culinary/food service production experience in a high‑volume commercial or non‑commercial dining service operation
• Ability to prepare food according to health and safety requirements
• Knowledge of safe food handling techniques and tools
• Knowledge of basic cooking techniques such as sautéing, broiling, frying and grilling, seasoning methods and portion control
• Thorough understanding of the use of food service equipment
• Ability to supervise large quantity food production
• Knowledge of personal computers, word processing, spreadsheets, email and internet necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in relevant food/culinary/dietetic/hospitality or business field
• Experience with hands‑on production management in high‑volume or non‑commercial dining service operation with experience training/managing staff to implement/expand culinary skills
• Experience with planning, preparation, and service of special events/catered events beneficial
• Excellent skills in customer relations, team building and communications.
• Knowledge of electronic payroll and computerized food management systems preferred
• Culinary certification

Pre‑Placement Driving Record Review Required

No

Physical Required

Yes

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre‑employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Criminal History Background Check Required

Yes

Posted Salary $47,000/yr. minimum

Contact

Barb McCain
4024720159
[e-mail]

Job Category (old)

Managerial/Professional

Job Type

Full‑Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Monday - Friday with weekend coverage

Work Location (City, State)

Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

No

Supplemental Questions

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