Company description

World class University sets the table for living and learning engagement by providing a hospitality experience that fosters community, prioritizes health, cultural connection and religious sensitivity, challenges food systems convention, and relentlessly innovates.

Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) advances the mission of Harvard University through its multiple food and beverage venues on campus. Our team has a genuine passion for food and a commitment to a diverse, delicious, nutritious and sustainable food and beverage programs around which community at this bustling institution can be forged. Beyond simple foodservice, HUDS dining halls, cafes and events are spaces for student and faculty engagement and advocacy, celebrating diversity and inclusion through shared food experiences, and developing solutions to global food systems challenges through real-world applications.

HUDS is the oldest collegiate foodservice in America and is a self-sustaining department of Harvard University. We are also one of the largest collegiate food service operators, proudly serving an average of 22,000 meals a day during the academic year and 5 million meals annually, with a staff that is more than 500 individuals strong.

Our mission: HUDS nourishes and supports the students, faculty, staff and guests of Harvard by creating experiences that foster friendship, encourage learning, and cultivate community.

Job description

The General Manager for Harvard University Dining Services’ prestigious Harvard Law School (HLS) account will shape and guide the hospitality team in the daily execution of an inclusive, delicious, warm, and friendly experience for guests and community members. The General Manager sets the tone for the team, leading all operational aspects of a quality dining experience with multiple components including a pub, a grille, a large café, a coffee bar, a faculty dining room, and complex catering from drop-off to fine dining. This is a leadership role with a hands-on ethos, participating in and focusing on the daily execution of an unparalleled experience.

Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) seeks a leader with a genuine passion for hospitality and a commitment to a diverse, delicious, nutritious, and sustainable program around which community at this bustling professional school can be forged.

Reporting to the Associate Director for Retail Dining Operations this position will lead the delivery of a highly reliable, customer-oriented, and collaborative organization with a focus on effective and efficient operation at world-class presentation levels.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Operational Management

Lead exempt management team and non-exempt service staff in the overall management of this large, complex flagship operation in full compliance with all food, occupational safety rules and regulations and customer service expectations.

• Create an overall welcoming hospitality experience for the HLS community, where delicious food is the platform for creating lasting connections.
• Build and lead a unified team dedicated to delivering the highest quality food and service experience, while fostering an ethos of support and camaraderie.
• Ensure high standards are consistently met via the implementation of all HUDS and University quality assurance policies and procedures related to food, sanitation, equipment and facility maintenance and management, safety, etc.
• In collaboration with the Management Team, implement and monitor FoodPro menu and inventory management system including, but not limited to: ensuring cost control and mitigation of loss prevention, completion of weekly inventory audits; maintenance of appropriate inventory levels based on menu needs, etc.

• Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with key stakeholders, including the the Dean’s Office, Dean for Administration, facilities, student services and more. Provide outstanding customer service that welcomes all perspectives on food, and ensure specialty diets and other nutritional needs are met.
• Provide strong operations and financial oversight, including compiling annual budgets, capital and facilities renewal budgets, and long-range planning.
• Ensure high standards are consistently met via the implementation of all HUDS and University
• Oversee systems and processes that manage key expense categories (food, labor, revenue, safety, and sanitation).
• Ensure that the physical plant is well run and in good repair, and that services are right sized to meet community needs.
• Implement and manage strategic sustainability goals.
• Ensure all reporting is completed per University standards and all record-keeping is maintained in accordance with University policy.
• Encourage creative approaches to improved financial viability including cost reduction initiatives and other related efforts.

Employee and Labor Management

Recruit and provide leadership and direction to a diverse team. Develop and maintain a positive and collaborative working environment that promotes open communication, consistency, fairness, and opportunities for continuous learning while achieving the vision and mission of HUDS and the University.

• Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with all team members via regular meetings, two-way communication, timely feedback, collaboration, mentoring, training, and consistent visibility in the work unit.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with Union Shop Stewards.
• Hire and develop candidates to shape a diverse, inclusive team with opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Assist with the development and implementation of new policies, procedures, and trainings.

Basic Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management or related field with 7-10 years of progressive leadership in high volume, fast paced hospitality settings.
• Strong record of business acumen including financial and human resource
• Strong event management and catering experience.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer
• Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse
• Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills, and accountability.
• Good professional judgment and ability to independently make sound business

Additional Criteria:

• Ability and willingness to apply for and hold a Cambridge Liquor License for exclusive use at the HLS campus.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline