Associate Director of Dining Services (Catering)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director Residential dining / Retail the Associate Director of Dining Services is responsible for the management of UMass Catering and Campus Center Blue Wall. This position will perform in accordance with university policy, administrative duties as outlined; and is responsible for multi-unit supervision including responsibility and oversight of management teams, supervisors, and chefs. The Associate Director of Dining Services has operational, marketing, and financial oversight and responsibility for UMass Catering and Campus Center Blue Wall.

Essential Functions

• Provides leadership to and supervises staff; engages in the operational planning, development, and delivery of services provided by units in UMass Catering and Campus Center Blue Wall. Responsibility and oversight for all personnel actions and evaluating of all direct and indirectly supervised personnel; establishes and maintains performance goals that are consistent with the mission and objectives of UMass Amherst.
• Responsibility and oversight for creating and monitoring all established food and labor budgets within the UMass Catering and Campus Center Blue Wall. Directs the use of weekly benchmark (KRI) to measure the business.
• Oversees and develops annual business and marketing plans. Institutes and maintains policies and procedures necessary to determine profitable product and labor costs.
• Supervises all food preparations and service to include delivery, storage, rotation and proper use of all food stuffs, equipment and ware washing chemicals according to University policies. Additionally, oversees the logistics and coordination of product, menu implementation and inventory.
• Develops new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvement and operational efficiency for UMass Catering and Campus Center Blue Wall.
• Conducts inspections of the facilities as needed. Ensures clean and sanitary operations at all times.
• Directs the preparation of daily meal count reports, daily food temperature charts, and prepares and maintains inventory records of all small wares.
• Oversees high quality service of nutritionally balanced meals in an environmentally safe and healthy atmosphere, reviews and makes major menu adjustments as needed. Ensures the highest level of guest services and satisfaction at all times.
• Ensures that alcoholic beverage service and risk liability are controlled at all times by adhering to Massachusetts State Liquor Laws as well as the Campus Center Beverage Policy.
• Oversees training programs instituted by administration for all classified employees with regard to customer service and employee performance requirements. Directs the development and implementation of quarterly safety and kitchen skills training programs for the culinary staff. Assists in the development of new programs.
• Plans an active role in the local community through associations, memberships and involvement. Acts as an ambassador for UMass Catering and Campus Center Blue Wall within the local community.
• Participates and / or leads necessary meetings with other UMass departments that may intersect with UMass Catering or Campus Center Blue Wall.
• Develops and oversees labor budgets for students. Oversees student personnel performance, maintains student time records and personnel files.

Other Functions

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Requires the ability to balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, travel to other campuses, driving, reach, sit and travel to other campuses.

Additional Details

This position is designated as essential personnel.

Work Schedule

Must be willing to work an irregular work schedule including weekends and holidays.

Salary Information

Level 30

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.