Director of Operations

Posting date: March 19, 2026

002531SR

1. Job Type Full-time
2. Location Cambridge
3. School/Unit Harvard University Central Administration
4. Salary Grade 060
5. Job Function General Administration
6. FLSA Status Exempt
7. Term Appointment No
8. Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

The Director of Operations is a senior strategic leader responsible for the overall operational excellence, financial stewardship, and long-term resilience of Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS). HUDS is a complex, multi-unit organization encompassing residential dining, catering, retail, and administrative operations.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Director of Operations provides centralized leadership for business processes, operational systems, technology governance, cross-functional labor relations support, sustainability initiatives, and campus partnerships. The position advances the strategic priorities and vision for HUDS set by the Managing Director. The role modernizes processes, reduces operational and compliance risk, strengthens data-driven decision-making, and ensures seamless execution across all HUDS units. The position has three direct reports who manage business systems.

This role plays a critical part in succession planning, organizational continuity, and advancing HUDS’ mission to provide an exceptional, sustainable dining experience aligned with Harvard’s academic and residential life goals.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Key Areas of Focus

• Operational Leadership & Strategic Planning
• Technology, Systems & Business Process Management
• Project, Change Management & Implementation Excellence
• Labor Relations Support & Workforce Practices
• Financial Management & Business Analytics
• Sustainability & Resource Stewardship
• Cross-Functional Campus Partnerships
• Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Management

Essential Responsibilities (detailed list as in text, but summarized for brevity; full details in original)

Working Conditions:

• Emergency Status Designation: Essential Personnel

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• 7–10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in operations, project management, business systems, or related functions.
• Experience managing a complex labor environment within a multi-stakeholder operational setting.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-unit operational environments and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of enterprise and operational technology systems (e.g., UKG/Kronos, POS/Transact, scheduling tools, production/menu systems).
• Proven ability to design, implement, and sustain structured processes, including documentation, SOPs, and governance frameworks.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence across organizational levels and functions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, manage ambiguity, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in higher education, hospitality/dining services, or unionized environments.
• Certification or formal training in project or change management and/or process improvement (e.g., PMP, Lean, Six Sigma, Prosci).
• Familiarity with decentralized organizational structures and shared-services models.
• Commitment to sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience with Agentic AI solutions for hospitality.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, CORI, References, Drug Test

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package... (full list as in text)

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination... (links as in text)