Full Time General Manager

Job Details

Job Location

Lawrence, KS

Description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated restaurant General Manager to lead people and operations at our flagship residential dining facility. At KU Dining, we don't just serve meals - we create community. Our team of dedicated professionals works together to provide welcoming spaces, fresh flavors, and experiences that bring Jayhawks together. As part of the KU Memorial Unions, you'll join a supportive environment where collaboration, creativity, and growth are at the heart of what we do

The General Manager is responsible for leading operations in South Dining Commons, a large-scale residential dining facility with six-plus serving stations that serves KU's Central District and the broader campus community of students, staff, faculty, and guests.This position provides leadership in guest services, food quality, and safety while ensuring employees adhere to all departmental policies and procedures. The General Manager leads a diverse team of full-time and student employees, approximately 100 employees for the site. The General Manager is accountable for operational performance, financial management, staff development, and service delivery. This role requires a hands-on leader who models KU Dining's mission and vision by fostering excellence, cultivating team engagement, and delivering a dining experience that enhances campus life.

The anticipated salary for this position starts at $61,000 annually. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on experience coaching, mentoring, and leading people.This is a full-time, benefits eligible position.

DUTIES & REPONSIBILITIES OF ALL KU MEMORIAL UNION POSITIONS:

Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.

Support the KU Memorial Unions lines of effort, initiatives, and End State as described by the Executive Director, and work to achieve and uphold the department's mission and core values: community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.

Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating a cohesive team through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.

Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude in performing job responsibilities and collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment.

Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University, including routine events and meetings that occur outside of the office, around campus, and out in the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provide hands-on leadership to a diverse team of full-time, part-time, and student employees, ensuring alignment with KU Dining and KU Memorial Unions mission, vision, end-state, and core values. Conduct regular coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development initiatives to build skills, motivate, promote retention, and encourage career growth.

Ensure that all staff are properly trained, engaged, and consistently operate with positive customer-focused culture. Inspire the trust of others while working with integrity and treating all with dignity and respect while maintaining open lines of communication.

Partner with Human Resources to recruit, hire, onboard, train, and mentor employees to foster a culture of excellence and accountability.

Analyze and measure business trends to inform decision making.

Develop and implement plans to maximize sales, achieve key performance indicators (KPIs), and meet or exceed established goals and objectives.

Lead financial analysis, monitor performance metrics, and ensure unit profitability by collaborating and executing the planned budget. Provide clear explanations of variances and implement solutions to achieve budgetary targets.

Create and maintain accurate records for product ordering, receiving, inventory and waste management.

Oversee equipment maintenance, track logs, and plan for timely repair or replacement to ensure operational efficiency.

Uphold and model a customer service philosophy that aligns with KU Dining's mission, values, and end-state.

Ensure compliance with KU Dining, University, state and federal food safety policies and regulations.

Monitor temperature logs, conduct daily safety and sanitation inspections, and take corrective action as needed to maintain a safe and healthy dining environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Minimum of 5 years' of demonstrated success managing high-volume operations within the food service or hospitality industry, with proven ability to lead large, diverse teams.

Demonstrated knowledge of food preparation, holding, and service methods, along with the proper use and care of kitchen and dining equipment.

Working knowledge of health, sanitation, and safety standards applicable to large-scale food service operations.

Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization, as well as external partners, University campus partners and affiliates, and vendors.

Demonstrated ability to utilize good judgement in the interpretation and application of policies and procedures as to exercise discretion in confidential matters is essential.

Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively with staff.

Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business operations demands.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in management, Foods and Nutrition or related field.

Previous experience in higher education dining or comparable large-scale food service operations (e.g., casinos, multi-unit management).

ServSafe Manager certification or equivalent food safety credential.

Demonstrated success in achieving financial performance goals and operational KPIs.

Experience with various food service systems like Food Service Suite in addition to Microsoft Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, etc.).