Title: Associate Director Dining Services

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Auxiliary Enterprises

Department: Meal Plan Office

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

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

Leads and supervises staff and plans, develops, and delivers services for UMass Catering and the Campus Center Blue Wall retail dining venue. Organizes work across multiple customer-facing outlets, sets priorities, and adjusts plans as operational needs change.

Oversees all personnel actions and evaluates all directly and indirectly supervised personnel. Establishes and maintains performance goals consistent with the mission and objectives of UMass Amherst.

Creates and monitors all established food and labor budgets for UMass Catering and the Campus Center Blue Wall. Uses weekly benchmarks (KPIs) to measure the business.

Develops and oversees annual business and marketing plans. Establishes and maintains policies and procedures to determine profitable product and labor costs.

Supervises all food preparation and service, including the delivery, storage, rotation, and proper use of foodstuffs, equipment, and warewashing chemicals in accordance with university policies. Oversees product logistics, menu implementation, and inventory.

Develops new approaches, policies, and procedures to continually improve operational efficiency for UMass Catering and the Campus Center Blue Wall.

Inspects facilities as needed and ensures clean and sanitary operations at all times.

Directs the preparation of daily meal count reports and daily food temperature charts. Prepares and maintains inventory records for all smallwares.

Oversees the service of high-quality, nutritionally balanced meals in an environmentally safe and healthy atmosphere. Reviews menus and makes major adjustments as needed. Ensures the highest level of guest service and satisfaction at all times.

Controls alcoholic beverage service and related liability by adhering to Massachusetts State Liquor Laws and the Campus Center Beverage Policy.

Oversees administration’s training programs for classified employees on customer service and employee performance requirements. Directs the development and implementation of quarterly safety and kitchen skills training for culinary staff. Assists in developing new programs.

Plays an active role in the local community through associations, memberships, and involvement. Serves as an ambassador for UMass Catering and the Campus Center Blue Wall within the local community.

Participates in or leads necessary meetings with other UMass departments whose work intersects with UMass Catering or the Campus Center Blue Wall. Navigates University administrative processes and organizational relationships to coordinate work across departments.

Develops and oversees student labor budgets. Oversees student personnel performance and maintains student time records and personnel files.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as required.

Assists other Dining Services units as business needs direct.

Participates in sensitive employee matters, including conducting disciplinary hearings, serving as a grievance hearing officer, and participating in Labor Relations discussions with decision-making authority for Dining Services.

Participates in quality assurance, peer review, and continuing education programs.

Helps create a respectful, inclusive environment that supports diversity.

Demonstrates the capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.

Helps create a positive and respectful workplace through personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.

Uses access to sensitive or not-yet-public University information only to perform the responsibilities of the position and takes care to prevent unnecessary disclosure.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, marketing, or a related field; at least five years of management experience in the hospitality industry, including three years of progressive experience in product or service marketing and sales.

Experience in sales and marketing, event planning, budgeting, and supervision.
Demonstrated organizational and planning skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate operations across multiple customer-facing outlets.

Demonstrated administrative and organizational savvy, including the ability to navigate processes, work across departments, and exercise sound judgment within a complex organization.

Functional knowledge of standard statistical analysis methods and software packages.

Detail-oriented approach.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with diverse constituencies and stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.

Demonstrated strong entrepreneurial spirit.

Proficiency with Windows-based software and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

ServSafe certification at hire or within three months of hire.

Alcohol Serving Certificate at hire or within three months of hire.

Valid driver’s license.

Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays and to be on call for emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in hospitality, marketing, business, or related field.

Experience working in higher education.

Experience working in a unionized environment.

Experience working in the public sector.

Additional Details

This position is designated as essential personnel.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm, May require weekends, evenings, and holidays based on unit needs

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 30

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Special Instructions for Applicants

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

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.