Under the general direction of the Director of Dining Services, the Assistant Director of Residential Dining provides strategic leadership and oversight for three residential dining centers and their respective managers. This role ensures the financial viability of operations while promoting excellence in food quality, presentation, safety, and service for a diverse customer base. The Assistant Director acts as the liaison between Dining Services and the Department of Student Housing and serves as the General Manager of Ekdahl Dining Commons. As a senior member of the Dining Management team, the Assistant Director plays a key role in establishing overall goals and policies that impact all dining operations.

Supervision:

• Reports to: Director of Dining Services

• Supervises: General Manager, Unit Manager, three Food Service Managers, Administrative Assistant, and Residential Maintenance Manager

Essential Functions:

1. Financial Responsibility:

   • Oversee budgets for all units, totaling over $14,000,000.

   • Review financial performance weekly with operating units to assess and address performance issues.

   • Participate in the annual departmental budget process and capital expenditure proposals.

   • Set and monitor expectations for food and labor cost parameters for residential dining operations.

2. People Management:

   • Ensure compliance with KU Memorial Unions' policies and practices.

   • Mentor and coach Residential Dining Managers and subordinate staff.

   • Delegate responsibilities to management staff as necessary.

   • Develop goals and objectives for residential dining, providing focus, vision, and training for the management team.

3. Communication:

   • Maintain effective, ethical, informative, and timely communication with staff, colleagues, and KU Memorial Union Administration.

   • Provide professional and timely communication with customers and guests.

   • Serve as the principal liaison for KU Student Housing and a primary contact for public relations, media, and student/parent inquiries.

   • Collaborate regularly with the Dining Director to ensure efficient communication and meet unit expectations.

4. Customer Service:

   • Establish customer service standards in collaboration with the Dining Management team.

   • Conduct regular inspections to maintain high service standards.

   • Gather and respond to customer feedback through surveys, comment cards, and focus groups.

   • Liaise with student advisory and leadership groups, such as AURH and SDAC.

5. Relationship Building:

   • Build trust and confidence through effective leadership and decisive, considerate actions.

   • Address inefficiencies and errors promptly and constructively.

   • Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback to team members.

   • Demonstrate tact and composure in all interactions, especially under pressure.

6. Job Knowledge:

   • Exhibit competence in essential job skills and knowledge.

   • Demonstrate the ability to learn and apply new skills effectively.

   • Stay informed about current developments in the dining services field.

   • Utilize resources efficiently and understand job relations with other roles.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills for evaluating financial statements and making informed decisions.

• Experience managing a large, multi-unit residential dining program.

• Ability to set effective policies and procedures for efficient program operations.

• Capacity to develop innovative concepts and manage facility renovations.

• Comprehensive knowledge of state and union HR policies and procedures.

• Familiarity with purchasing, food management systems, and meal card access systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to develop and manage a profitable retail segment within the residential program.