Director of Campus Dining, UM Campus Dining

The University of Montana seeks a Director of Campus Dining who through vision, inspiration and creativity inspires our dining team to provide delicious meals and al la carte food options across campus, enhance the student engagement experiences through collaborations, and to elevate student experiences across campus. The Director of Campus Dining is responsible, under the direction of the Vice Provost for Student Success, for the direction of all aspects of the University’s self-operated dining program. The Director will lead the department in fulfilling its mission in accordance with the mission of the institution, and in a manner that will achieve guest satisfaction and quality service while meeting/exceeding financial goals. Campus Dining is comprised of residential dining (Food Zoo, Corner Store, Le Peak, registered dietician, Lommasson Custodial), retail operations (UM Concessions, UM Catering, The Bakery, The Food Court, The Iron Griz Bistro, The Market at the University Center, Bizz Buzz, Think Tank, Sidebar, Heart and Soul), operational support (assistant to the director, associate director of business operations, executive chef, director of sustainability and garden manager, director of marketing and creative director, POS/CBORD FMS administrator, personnel associate, purchasing manager, AP/AR clerks), and all third-party contracts.

The Director of Campus Dining may also perform the duties of the Executive Director of the UM Food Service Management and Purchasing Consortium as needed. The incumbent may provide consultative services for the UM affiliate campuses (Montana Tech, Helena College, and UM Western) in the areas of foodservice management, meal plan development and administration, staff training, budget development, program reviews, and all related institutional foodservice needs. In addition, the incumbent as needed may coordinate and supervises all activity of the UM Food Service Management and Purchasing Consortium, including the UM prime vendor contract and the purchase of all food commodities bid collectively through the consortium.

Personnel:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to the professional management team and staff of Campus Dining in the areas of staffing patterns, training and professional development, supervision best practices, industry trends, and department business and financial development
• Within University and state policy guidelines, oversee personnel functions such as the recruitment and selection process, classification of employees, employee advancement, staff development, employee performance management, and termination or layoff of employees
• Supervise the performance review process for Campus Dining employees
• In conjunction with Human Resource Services, oversee relations with employee unions representing Campus Dining employees

Operations:

• Orchestrate, facilitate, and coordinate all activities of Campus Dining, including the fiscal and budgeting responsibilities for a self-operated collegiate dining program with annual revenue of approximately $12 million
• Develop and implement Campus Dining’s strategic, marketing, and facilities master plans
• Coordinate and direct the planning and construction of new facilities and the renovation of existing foodservice units to improve operational efficiency and guest satisfaction
• Support the mission of the institution along with the Campus Dining mission through professional foodservice management standards and practices
• Establish a variety of foodservice programs to satisfy students, faculty, and staff needs while maintaining fiscal health of Campus Dining operations, established institutional financial obligations, and capital requirements
• Identify department strategic initiatives to support the mission and strategic plans of both the University and Campus Dining
• Continuously benchmark effectiveness of the operation and research and implement current foodservice trends to ensure all dining operations are providing high-quality guest services
• Endorse and maintain safety, sanitation, food quality, and nutrition standards in all Campus Dining operations
• Support the institution’s and Campus Dining’s commitment to sustainability through effective operational management, procurement and educational outreach
• Develop, implement, interpret and uphold departmental and institutional policies including cash handling, staff meal, alcohol service, hiring practices, procurement, and sustainability

Business and Finance:

• Oversee the development and management of the Campus Dining budget to meet or exceed expected returns to the institution while balancing the service needs of students, faculty, staff, campus departments, and the community
• Work directly with the Campus Dining’s associate director of Business Operations and department unit managers to review and analyze monthly profit and loss statements; conduct monthly fiscal meetings with unit managers to ensure budget targets are met
• Develops and approves all operational price changes including meal plans, menu items, discounts, and other services provided
• Oversee the purchase and authorization process for all capital improvements including building expansions, remodels, and major equipment
• Oversee and approve all Campus Dining foundation account activity

External Relations:

• Establish cooperative relationships with student groups, academic and administrative departments, and the Missoula community
• Serve as principal spokesperson for Campus Dining and its activities; work to build and maintain a positive public image for UM Dining
• Serve on campus committees and participate in campus, student, and community functions
• Represent Campus Dining and the University in local, state, national, or civic organizations, committees, legislative bodies, or other entities
• Actively participate in local, state, and national professional food organizations such as NACUFS, AND, NRA, CIA, etc., as appropriate

Minimum Required Education, Skills, & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Foodservice Management, Dietetics, Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Food Systems Management, or a related foodservice field, or a minimum of seven to ten years of senior or administrative level of progressive foodservice management experience in a complex, multi-unit foodservice operation
• Demonstrated supervisory, leadership, and human resource management experience to effectively administer and manage within a diverse and complex organization including recruitment, hiring, evaluation, compensation, time management, training, progressive discipline, and safety programs
• Related foodservice operations management experience in a high-volume, high-quality, diverse, multi-unit operation, including but not limited to financial management, food and labor cost management, menu development/engineering, sustainable business practices, and information technology systems
• Demonstrated ability to provide vision and leadership in a complex foodservice environment while staying current with local, regional, and national foodservice trends
• Food and beverage inventory control, food production, handling and storage, quality control, health and safety, marketing, and merchandising
• Proven ability to build high-performing teams and compel them to embrace a shared vision for success
• Demonstrated ability to study, analyze, interpret, and execute solutions for complex challenges and/or opportunities
• Ability to interpret and effectively navigate the changing campus political climate, skillfully collaborating with all campus constituents, particularly students
• Demonstrated engaged participation in committees, work groups, and community and professional organizations
• Excellent oral communication skills and the ability to make effective public presentations
• Exceptional writing proficiency for letters, memos, reports, articles, policies and procedures, presentation content, business plans, project proposals, etc.
• Ability to gather and assess guest feedback, especially from students, and create timely action plans in response to that feedback
• Ability to develop and implement strategic, marketing, capital, and facilities master plans
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to delegate appropriately, monitor progress, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainable business practices and ability to maintain UM Dining’s cutting-edge environmental stewardship programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Foodservice Management, Dietetics, Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Food Systems Management, or a related foodservice field, and ten years’ or more of progressive foodservice management experience in a comprehensive, multi-unit, multi-concept, collegiate foodservice operation
• Proven experience with the development and implementation of collegiate meal plans and the ability to analyze effectiveness and respond appropriately to meal plan problem

Position Details

• Position is full-time (1.0 FTE) Montana University System Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program
• Salary range for this position is $105,000-$112,000 annually

About UM Campus Dining and UM

Campus Dining supports student success through superior cuisine, exceptional dining experiences, and sustainable business practices.

Shared Values and Guiding Principles

• NOURISHMENT: We serve wholesome, high-quality, and nutritious food.
• GUEST SERVICE: The people we serve are our guests. We will exceed our guests’ expectations.
• SUSTAINABILITY : We commit to local, regional, and global environmental stewardship through sustainable business practices and agricultural economic development in Montana through the UM Farm to College Program.
• PROFESSIONALISM : We exhibit passion, excellence, integrity, loyalty, responsiveness, and innovation in the pursuit of our profession. We affirm, cultivate, and value our employees through professional development.
• DIVERSITY : We respect and celebrate the contributions, rights, and dignity of our diverse employees and guests.
• PARTNERSHIPS: We cultivate collaborative and financial partnerships with our on- and off-campus colleagues in support of the University’s mission.
• FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: We maintain profitability to meet our obligations as a self-operated, self-funded state auxiliary account. We are entrepreneurial in our exploration and development of new revenue opportunities.

The University of Montana provides a culture that values hard work, intellectual curiosity, diversity, collegiality, innovative thinking, and teamwork, making it a great place to grow and develop professionally. The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its essential values of innovation and creativity, impact, openness, and partnership.

Nestled in at the base of Mount Sentinel and on the banks of the Clark Fork River, UM campus is described as one of the most beautiful in the US. The region boasts unparalleled year around recreational opportunities and a vibrant arts and culture community. UM offers a unique opportunity for professional growth in a magnificent environment. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

UM provides a culture that values hard work, intellectual curiosity, diversity, collegiality, innovative thinking, and teamwork, making it a great place to grow and develop professionally. Located in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape, UM attracts first rate teachers, researchers, and students from around the world. A city within a city – with its own eateries, stores, medical facilities, banking and postal services, and zip code – UM has an increasingly diverse population and rich culture.



To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: UM Lifestyles
• University Highlights

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Sunday, March 21, 2021 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular