Strategic Campus Dining Director

Thompson Hospitality Corp.; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Hospitality is seeking an experienced Food Service Director for Hampton University to lead daily campus dining operations and strategic direction. This hands-on role requires strong leadership in residential dining, retail, and catering, with a focus on financial performance and student engagement.

The ideal candidate will drive operational excellence, partner with culinary leadership, and develop talent across large teams while ensuring compliance with safety and brand standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive food service management experience
• 3+ years in a senior leadership role with direct accountability for high-volume operation
• Experience in higher education dining or large multi-concept contract food service
• Direct P&L accountability including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
• Experience leading multiple managers and large hourly teams

Responsibilities

• Direct all aspects of campus dining operations including residential dining, retail outlets, catering and events
• Lead, coach and develop culinary, management and hourly teams
• Maintain standards for food quality, sanitation, safety and customer satisfaction
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, labor productivity, training and performance management
• Ensure compliance with policies, contracts, and food safety regulations
• Manage unit-level P&L, budgets, financial reporting and performance
• Drive revenue growth through retail innovation, catering and meal plan participation
• Engage with university administration and campus stakeholders

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Team development

Communication

Customer focus

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or related field

Master’s preferred

Tools

ServSafe certification

Financial reporting tools

Job description

Thompson Hospitality is seeking an experienced Food Service Director for Hampton University to lead daily campus dining operations and strategic direction. This hands-on role requires strong leadership in residential dining, retail, and catering, with a focus on financial performance and student engagement.

The ideal candidate will drive operational excellence, partner with culinary leadership, and develop talent across large teams while ensuring compliance with safety and brand standards.