General Manager – University Dining Services & Food Operations

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced General Manager – Food Service Operations to lead a high-volume, multi-unit campus dining program at the University at Martin. This leadership role is responsible for the full operational, financial, and client management of residential dining, retail food services, and catering operations.

The ideal candidate brings strong hospitality leadership, P&L accountability, and multi-outlet food service management experience, with a proven ability to drive operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and financial performance in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all contract food service operations across residential dining, retail, and catering units
• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for the on-site management team
• Own full P&L responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting
• Serve as primary client liaison, ensuring strong relationships and high levels of client and customer satisfaction
• Lead hiring, training, performance management, and development of managers and staff
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety regulations
• Manage cash control systems, payroll processes, and operational audits
• Plan and execute special events, catering programs, and high-volume service periods
• Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, efficiency, and revenue growth
• Drive innovation in campus dining experiences and operational best practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Minimum 5+ years of food service management experience, preferably in a university or campus dining environment
• Minimum 5+ years of management experience, including direct supervision of managers
• Proven experience managing multi-unit food operations (residential dining, catering, and/or retail)
• Strong background in P&L ownership and financial management
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance standards
• Experience working in high-volume, fast-paced hospitality or contract food service environments
• Strong leadership, communication, and client relationship management skills

Preferred Skills

• Campus dining or higher education food service experience
• Contract food service management background
• Data-driven decision-making and operational analysis
• Experience driving customer experience improvements and service innovation

What We Offer

• Leadership role overseeing a comprehensive campus dining program
• Opportunity to drive innovation in university food service operations
• Collaborative environment with strong client engagement
• Ability to directly impact financial and operational success