Food Services Director

Job Description

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Food Service Director to take on the critical role of overseeing all aspects of the dining operations within our higher education institution and retail environment serving over 500 customers a day. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in creating exceptional dining experiences for our students, faculty, staff, and retail customers, while also ensuring efficient operations and cost-effective management. Working hours vary, includes nights and weekends.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Execution:
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for the overall dining operations, taking into account the unique needs of both the higher education and retail environments.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to set and achieve long-term objectives related to food quality, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
• Team Leadership and Development:
• Lead, mentor, and empower a diverse team of food service staff to consistently deliver high-quality culinary experiences.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinates and supervises unit personnel regarding production, merchandising, quality and cost control, food handling certifications, and employee training.
• Menu Development and Innovation:
• Work closely with the culinary team to conceptualize and execute innovative, appealing menus that cater to the diverse tastes and dietary preferences of our clientele.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and proactively introduce new culinary concepts and offerings to enhance the overall dining experience.
• Possess a demonstrated understanding of special needs of customers, including but not limited to nutrition programs, accommodations for allergies, and working knowledge of ADA issues impacting food service programs.
• Operations Management and Compliance:
• Oversee all aspects of food purchasing, inventory management, and cost control to maintain budgetary goals and ensure optimal resource utilization.
• Uphold the highest standards of food safety and sanitation, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Vendor Partnerships and Resource Optimization:
• Cultivate and nurture relationships with local vendors and suppliers to secure high-quality ingredients and streamline supply chain operations.
• Identify opportunities to optimize procurement processes and negotiate favorable terms to support operational efficiency.
• Maintain inventories of equipment and ensures that maintenance of equipment is conducted and documented as per industry requirements.
• Ensures that all equipment in the cafeteria is in safe, working condition and immediately notifies the VP of Finance/Business Operations when repairs are beyond the capabilities of the kitchen staff.
• Continuous Improvement and Customer Experience Enhancement:
• Analyze customer feedback, market trends, and industry benchmarks to identify areas for improvement and implement initiatives to elevate the overall dining experience.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to introduce service enhancements, operational efficiencies, and sustainable practices.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Culinary Arts, or related field; advanced degree or relevant certification is a plus; or extensive experience as a Food Service Director and certifications.
• Proven track record of successful food service management, with at least 6 years of experience in a leadership role within higher education, retail, or hospitality settings.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence, inspire, and mentor diverse teams.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, industry best practices, and culinary trends.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget management, cost control, and financial analysis skills.
• Excellent organizational abilities, strategic thinking, and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Must have knowledge of large quantity meal preparation and meal planning
  
  

Remuneration

Competitive salary with fringe benefits that include 403b, heath, dental, vision and life insurance.

If you are an innovative, results-driven leader with a passion for culinary excellence and a commitment to exceeding customer expectations, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

To submit your application, please send your detailed resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for the role to ddelint@jarvis.edu. We look forward to welcoming a visionary leader who will reshape the culinary experience within our institution and retail establishments.

Company Description

Located in beautiful Hawkins, Texas, Jarvis Christian University, private, co-ed Historically Black Liberal Arts, four-year institution with a rich history and high standards of educational excellence. Founded in 1912, we are affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)., The mission of the university is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery. Jarvis Christian is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and, this year, is celebrating 110 years of educating students. Jarvis Christian offers programs in Criminal Justice, Business Management, Religion, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity and attracts a diverse student body from 22 states and cover 60 nations.

Located in beautiful Hawkins, Texas, Jarvis Christian University, private, co-ed Historically Black Liberal Arts, four-year institution with a rich history and high standards of educational excellence. Founded in 1912, we are affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)., The mission of the university is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery. Jarvis Christian is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and, this year, is celebrating 110 years of educating students. Jarvis Christian offers programs in Criminal Justice, Business Management, Religion, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity and attracts a diverse student body from 22 states and cover 60 nations.