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Senior Director of Campus Dining

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Northeastern University

29d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior & Expert Level
  • Customer Relations
    Facilities Management
  • Boston
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need strong dining program knowledge, financial acumen, tech-savviness, relationship-building skills, leadership experience, coaching ability, and contract negotiation expertise, along with 8-10 years in collegiate dining management.
  • You will lead culinary teams, manage budgets, ensure compliance, enhance operational efficiencies, engage stakeholders, promote sustainability, and oversee dining projects and catering programs.

Requirements

  • In-depth knowledge of dining programs, catering, and related financial concepts and practices.
  • Financial acumen with an ability to manage key performance indicators and hold vendors accountable for delivering program outcomes.
  • Technologically savvy and able to leverage data to modernize and gain efficiencies across the business units.
  • Key relationship builder with strong communication skills and experience building collaboration with students, staff, faculty and administrators.
  • Adept at leading work teams with emphasis on equal opportunities and belonging.
  • Able to coach/mentor while being adept at conflict resolution.
  • Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, deliver presentations and engender leadership support.
  • Excellent negotiation skills related to developing shared vision, student engagement, and contract management.
  • Knowledge and skills required are normally acquired through a BA/BS degree with at least 8-10 years' experience managing a major collegiate dining program, including responsibility for a board program, retail, catering and broad systems/processes; or a combination of education and experience that is commensurate.

Responsibilities

  • Operational ownership: leads a professional service, culinary and management team in the preparation and delivery of 15,000+ meals daily across a diverse portfolio of venues & campuses. Keep in compliance with all food/safety regulations and establishes customer service experiences. Provides tactical oversight of:
  • AYCTE Dining Halls, kosher/Halal programs
  • Retail dining locations across campuses (both outsourced partner managed and tenants in university owned properties)
  • Catering program: mid-range to high-end catering on campuses
  • Fiscal stewardship: ensures financial viability of department through active development and management of budgets based on realistic goals, effective contract management and sales estimates
  • Accountable for financial OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) of the department including variance management against annual operational/capital budgets
  • Assess budget adjustments as required
  • Partners with contract/divisional partners including Finance/HR/P2P to ensure adherence to university policy and industry best practices
  • Develops creative approaches to improving operational efficiencies
  • University partnership: engages with a broad range of partners in academic and operational programs, including sustainability/student affairs to
  • Develop strong relationships with program stakeholders
  • Administer a monthly meeting of the Dining Services Advisory Committee
  • Oversee the Food Project, directly engaging students to focus on food as it influences sustainability, the environment, culture and health of the Northeastern community
  • Promote sustainability efforts and participate in university-wide initiatives to advance the University’s broader climate goals
  • Planning and projects: initiate and lead operational planning with Northeastern Dining, including long-term financial and operational planning:
  • Setting and tracking outcomes to annual OKRs
  • Guide as SME (Subject Matter Expert) the development of hospitality initiative Includes new construction and changes in existing services
  • Engagement with contract partners/vendors in selecting concepts for venues across campuses

FAQs

What are the primary responsibilities of the Senior Director of Campus Dining?

The primary responsibilities include leading the culinary and management team in meal preparation and delivery, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, managing the department's budget, engaging with various university stakeholders, overseeing the catering program, and promoting sustainability efforts across campus dining services.

What qualifications are required for this position?

Candidates are expected to have a BA/BS degree with at least 8-10 years of experience managing a major collegiate dining program, including oversight of board programs, retail, and catering services, along with strong financial acumen and the ability to lead diverse teams.

Is prior experience in a university dining program necessary?

Yes, significant experience in managing a major collegiate dining program is essential for this role.

What financial responsibilities does this position entail?

The Sr. Director is accountable for overseeing an annual operating budget in excess of $40 million, managing financial OKRs, ensuring the financial viability of the department, and actively engaging in effective budget management and contract negotiations.

How many team members will this position oversee?

The Sr. Director of Campus Dining will oversee a team of 500+ employees, including a predominantly unionized non-exempt staff.

Are there opportunities for professional development within this role?

Yes, this position emphasizes professional growth for team members and promotes a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Will this position require collaboration with other university departments?

Yes, the role involves significant interaction and collaboration with various university partners, including Finance, HR, student affairs, and sustainability initiatives.

What is the significance of sustainability in this role?

Promoting sustainability is a key aspect, with initiatives focusing on food's influence on the environment, culture, and community health, as well as participating in university-wide climate goals.

Is there a focus on customer service in this position?

Yes, a strong emphasis is placed on delivering high-quality customer service experiences and fostering a culture that values belonging for all students, staff, administrators, faculty, and guests.

What type of benefits does Northeastern University provide for this role?

Northeastern University offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness programs, retirement plans, and commuting transportation options.

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Northeastern University

Northeastern is a global, experiential, research university built on a tradition of engagement with the world.

Education
Industry
5001-10,000
Employees

Mission & Purpose

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university with a distinctive, experience-driven approach to education and discovery. The university is a leader in experiential learning, powered by the world’s most far-reaching cooperative education program. We integrate classroom study with opportunities for professional work, research, service, and global learning in more than 100 countries. The same spirit of collaboration guides a use-inspired research enterprise focused on solving global challenges in health, security, and sustainability. Northeastern offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools, and select graduate programs at campuses in Boston, Charlotte, N.C., San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Toronto. Campuses in Burlington, MA, and Nahant, MA, are home to research institutes for homeland security and coastal sustainability, respectively.