"Dining Program Manager"

Job Details

Job Title: Dining Program Manager

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 60833

Department: Office of Business Services

Responsibilities

The University Dining Program Manager ensures the highest level of excellence in Florida State University’s dining experience by managing the daily food service, collaborating with business partners, and implementing innovative, customer-centered dining and catering programs. This role serves as a liaison for dining services, enhancing operational standards encompassing food quality, menu variety, execution, customer satisfaction, food service front-of-house operations, and service innovation. Aligns dining services with the university’s values, goals, and strategic vision.

Responsible for the daily operations of Seminole Dining and Legacy Catering, ensuring high standards in food quality, speed of service, front-of-house operations, cleanliness, and customer satisfaction. Conducts regular assessments and on-site inspections to evaluate quality control, ensures efficient operations with appropriate menu offerings and service hours, and upholds overall service excellence across all dining locations. Collaborates regularly with food service contractors to review performance, identify areas for improvement, and enhance service delivery.

Participates in planning and implementing food service projects and enhancements to dining offerings by assessing financial viability, menu variety, execution, and strategic pricing. Prepares business plans, conducts market research, and collaborates with vendors to develop competitive meal plan proposals and pricing that delivers value to the University community. Reviews residential menu cycles to ensure quality and health-conscious options that meet dietary needs and reflect industry trends. Reviews university food permit requests to verify compliance with state licensing requirements and food safety regulations, approving or denying submissions within the event permit system.

Oversees catered events to ensure high-quality, on-site execution that meets university expectations, focusing on exceptional food quality, presentation, and service that aligns with institutional standards and client needs. Leads efforts to maintain a top-in-class catering program by ensuring all operations comply with applicable state and federal regulations and reflect industry's best practices. Collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and contractors to develop and deliver customized catering solutions, including menu planning, event logistics, and budget coordination. Reviews and assesses operational standards for high-level and special events by Legacy Catering, Tucker Civic Center, Seminole Golf Club, and other designated venues to ensure excellence and consistency across locations. Attends high-level (and others, as requested) events to ensure proper execution, on-site support, and delivery of service.

Engages with students, faculty, staff, and visitors to assess and respond to dining needs and preferences. Leads customer feedback initiatives through surveys, social media monitoring, focus groups, and satisfaction tracking. Ensures timely follow-up and resolution of customer service issues, working closely with providers to implement changes based on feedback. Supports marketing initiatives by generating ideas, assisting with planning, and actively promoting and engaging in dining programs and promotional events. Promotes service changes through effective communication strategies across university platforms. Coordinates the Dining Advisory Council.

Maintains a working knowledge of financial aspects of dining operations, including meal plans, catering pricing, and non-meal plan sales transactions. Conducts regular analysis of sales data, customer satisfaction metrics, and market trends to assess dining program performance. Creates reports and presentations as needed for leadership, summarizing findings, improvements, and strategic recommendations. Benchmarks FSU’s dining program against peer institutions to identify areas of improvement or opportunity. Monitors KPIs, including transaction volume, speed of service, and program participation.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and four years of experience related to administrative services; or a high school diploma/equivalent and eight years of related experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to eight years.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale food service operations daily, including front-of-house, quality control, and customer service excellence.
• Experience overseeing high-level catering and special events, with attention to detail, logistics, presentation, and client communication.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, licensing requirements, and best practices.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and licensing requirements.
• Ability to collaborate with third-party vendors or contracted partners, with experience managing service-level expectations, and performance standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

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How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P position. This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check. This position is being advertised as open until filled.