Bowdoin College, located in the picturesque town of Brunswick, Maine, is home to nearly 2,000 students. Known for our commitment to exceptional dining, we consistently rank among the top 10 for college food nationwide. At Bowdoin, we pride ourselves on crafting meals from scratch, using the freshest ingredients sourced from our very own butcher shop, bakeshop, and organic garden. These on-campus resources supply our two dining halls and three retail locations, ensuring that every meal is both delicious and sustainable.
We are seeking an Operations Manager to lead our Thorne Dining Hall.
The Operations Manager, in collaboration with the Culinary Manager, plays a key role in planning, developing, organizing, and overseeing all activities at Thorne Dining Hall to create a dynamic, high-quality dining experience for the Bowdoin community. This position ensures the delivery of exceptional culinary offerings and outstanding customer service, enhancing the overall Bowdoin educational experience. With a focus on operational excellence, the Operations Manager leads a team of staff and oversee daily operations, while also managing budgets, staff hiring and development, and special events. The role will work closely with the Culinary Manager, Service Supervisors, and Registered Dietitian to ensure menu signage is informative, accurate, and reflective of the dining program’s high standards. Key responsibilities include:
- Operational Leadership: Supervise and maintain daily operations of Thorne Dining Hall, ensuring the highest level of performance and service. Be highly visible during meal services to provide guidance and support to staff, ensuring smooth operations and excellent customer satisfaction.
- Team Management: In partnership with the Culinary Manager, oversee the recruitment, hiring, and performance management of dining hall personnel, including student labor, casual staff, and front-of-house teams. Ensure training is effective, schedules are clearly communicated, and staff members are motivated and supported. Oversee uniform management, ensuring staff look professional and that the uniform program is well-maintained.
- Event Planning & Coordination: Assist in planning and executing large-scale campus events such as Commencement and Reunion, overseeing staff operations to ensure these events run smoothly and meet the dining program’s high standards.
- Financial Oversight & Budgeting: Manage operational costs by reviewing financial documentation such as invoices, food orders, and payroll. Analyze weekly and monthly financial statements to ensure budgetary control and assist in preparing financial reports. Oversee the capital budget for equipment and maintenance in the dining hall.
- Menu Planning & Innovation: Collaborate with the Culinary Manager to provide input on menu planning, integrating student preferences, healthy nutrition goals, and current dining trends to ensure menus are fresh, engaging, and aligned with the needs of the Bowdoin community.
- Facility Management: Develop and implement department goals to ensure dining services are marketed and represented effectively through signage, décor, and staff/customer interactions. Partner with the Culinary Manager to ensure proper maintenance of equipment.
- Data Collection & Reporting: Utilize systems such as CBORD to collect data related to food, labor, and meal costs, preparing accurate reports that support decision-making and financial transparency.
By leading with vision and collaboration, the Operations Manager ensures a seamless, high-performing dining program that reflects Bowdoin’s commitment to sustainability, quality, and student satisfaction.
Pay , Benefits, and Perks:
- The targeted hiring range for this position is expected to be $74,200 – $80,800.
- A variety of health insurance plans
- Generous Retirement Plan – 10.12% annual compensation contribution
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Paid time off – Vacation, Personal, Holidays, and Special Days Off (https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/our-workplace/college-holidays-and-special-days-off.html).
- Paid parental leave
- Access to many of the College’s facilities including the gym and pool, including household
- Access to events, speakers, and sport events on campus
- Free fitness and wellness classes!
- And more: https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/benefits-perks/index.html