Dining Unit Manager, Hospitality

$80,000 - $80,000/Yr

University of California - Santa Cruz, CA

Part-time,Full-time - Mid Level

Santa Cruz, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Dining Unit Manager, Hospitality at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is responsible for managing a multi-faceted service operation within the University Dining Services Department. This role involves overseeing a high-volume catering and specialty retail operation that runs seven days a week during the academic year. The Unit Manager will directly supervise a diverse team, including professional managers, career staff, and numerous limited and student staff, with an operating expense budget that can reach up to $5 million annually. The position requires a strong focus on leadership, customer service, and operational excellence, ensuring that all dining services meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and guests. The Unit Manager will collaborate with the Assistant Director of Retail & Hospitality Services to develop a clear vision and direction for the team, ensuring that departmental policies and procedures are uniformly administered. This includes managing relationships with customers, developing marketing and merchandising plans, and ensuring that dining service programs are effectively communicated. The role also involves planning and coordinating all operational aspects of assigned areas, including event sales, menu development, and compliance with health and safety standards. In addition to operational management, the Dining Unit Manager will be responsible for human resources management, including maintaining cost-effective work schedules, developing job performance standards, and ensuring compliance with labor contracts. The position also entails fiscal management, overseeing multiple complex budgets, and ensuring cost control measures are in place. The Unit Manager will also maintain safety and sanitation standards, manage equipment maintenance, and participate in department-wide initiatives to support the university's mission and goals.

Responsibilities

• Manage a multi-faceted service operation for University Dining Services Department.
• Direct a high-volume Catering/Specialty, Retail or Board operation.
• Supervise a team of professional managers, career staff, and student staff.
• Develop and provide a vision with clear direction to all assigned staff.
• Manage relationships with customers including faculty, staff, students, and the public.
• Plan and coordinate all operational aspects of assigned areas including event sales and menu development.
• Ensure compliance with health codes and safety standards.
• Oversee human resource management within assigned units.
• Manage multiple complex budgets and prepare financial reports.
• Maintain safety, sanitation, and security standards in the operating unit.

Requirements

• Strong experience in management related to Catering, Restaurant, Retail, and College Dining fields.
• Demonstrated experience in providing high-level customer service in food service operations.
• Experience in event planning, sales, and execution of catered events.
• Strong financial analysis and management skills.
• Experience in menu development and culinary production.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to promote a safe and healthy workplace.
• Experience in recruiting, interviewing, and managing a diverse workforce.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills in stressful situations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous involvement in the National Association of Colleges & University Food Services (NACUFS).
• Ability to speak Spanish or willingness to learn.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans
• UC Retirement Plans
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays plus accrued vacation and sick leave
• Meal Allowance