Director, Retail and Residential Dining

Date Posted: 09/08/2025

Req ID:45065

Faculty/Division: VP - University Operations

Department: Food Services

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

University of Toronto Food Services provides a range of products and services to students, faculty, staff and the broader community through the operation of residence dining, retail outlets (branded concepts and franchises, as well as outlets leased to business partners), conference, catering and beverage services in addition to a range of initiatives that support student life, diversity and culture. Food Services is a self-funded department that strives to create and cultivate a comprehensive service that promotes a healthy and sustainable university environment.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Food Services and Campus Events, the Director, Retail and Residential Dining is responsible for all retail operations within Food Services across the St. George Campus (Robarts, Sids Café, MSB Café and other satellite locations), as well as operations in St. George campus residential dining halls (New College, Chestnut Residence, Oak House and Campus One).

The Director works collaboratively with the Director of Culinary Operations & Executive Chef as well as the Director of Catering and Event Services to support the strategic short and long range goals of the Food Services operation by setting objectives and targets and ensuring that agreed upon revenue targets are met. The incumbent is also responsible for all operational and financial affairs which encompass existing food and beverage outlets and activities, along with planned expansion and future growth.

As the senior team member with operational responsibility for the largest segment of the department’s budget, the Director plays a central role in ensuring the overall financial success of the department. They continuously work to assess the viability of each venture, cascade financial information to front line managers to ensure accountability, and identify opportunities to improve profitability through new initiatives, streamlined operations or investments in equipment and technology.

The Director is a key member of the senior team in Food Services and Campus Events, and works collaboratively with other senior team members to develop and implement innovative strategies for the department as a whole.

The incumbent develops and implements recommendations for the design, delivery, and regular reinvigoration of a high-quality food service program that meets the needs of students, faculty, staff, visitors and other stakeholders. The incumbent monitors complex vendor relationships, legislative compliance and contract administration functions related to the food operations. In collaboration with the Marketing team, the Director develops marketing and promotional programs, including the execution of marketing initiatives in compliance with franchise agreements and communications strategies to achieve operational goals.

The Director oversees a large team which includes 2 Assistant Directors, managing chefs, supervisors, culinary staff, cashiers and cafeteria workers. The incumbent is the lead for human resources and labour relations activities within the unit, and works with OREP HR colleagues to build and nurture a positive team-oriented culture which supports skill development and respect.

The Director is responsible for ensuring that the highest professional standards of customer service are met across the retail outlets within Food Services by servicing a varied client base, maintaining appropriate staffing models and developing customer service standards. In addition, the Director develops and implements training and mentorship of staff to ensure operational standards and Health and Safety regulations are understood and followed and enforces compliance with regulatory requirements.

Closing Date: 09/22/2025,11:59PM ET

Employee Group: Salaried

Personnel Subarea:PM

Appointment Type: Ancillary Operations

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 6 -- Hiring Zone: $132,351 - $154,409 -- Broadband Salary Range: $132,351 - $220,587

Job Category: Administrative / Managerial