Associate Director Dining Services - Retail

The Associate Director of Dining Services will provide visionary leadership, operational excellence, and a hands-on management style for our diverse portfolio of retail dining venues. This role oversees Davis Cafe, Chick-fil-A (CFA), Concessions, QDOBA, vending services, and upcoming new retail dining locations.

The Associate Director plays a critical role in ensuring an exceptional dining experience for our students, faculty, staff, and guests-delivering quality, service, and innovation in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Personnel Management

• Directly supervise retail location managers, supervisors, and associates.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management processes.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture rooted in customer service and teamwork.
• Conduct regular evaluations, implement progressive discipline as needed, and reward high performance.
• Plan and lead daily team briefings and support brand certification training.
• Ensure all team members meet required certifications for licensed branded concepts (e.g., Chick-fil-A, QDOBA) and maintain compliance with ongoing brand certification and recertification standards.

Operations & Guest Experience

• Ensure brand standards and dining excellence across all retail units.
• Act as a visible leader during service periods; support food production and guest service as needed.
• Oversee menu execution, food quality, sanitation, and presentation across locations.
• Serve as a primary liaison with the Davidson campus community, cultivating strong relationships with students, parents, faculty, alumni, and visitors.

Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage budgets for each retail unit; maintain accountability for food, labor, and operating costs.
• Optimize staffing levels and labor allocation to ensure efficient operations.
• Monitor sales and profitability, manage inventory and ordering, and ensure POS system accuracy and compliance.

Facilities, Equipment & Compliance

• Ensure all dining areas, equipment, and storage facilities are clean, maintained, and meet all safety and sanitation standards.
• Coordinate repairs, equipment replacements, and preventive maintenance.
• Enforce strict adherence to Davidson College, Dining Services, and NC Department of Environmental Health policies and guidelines.

Strategic Initiatives & Innovation

• Support the opening of new retail concepts and food service expansions.
• Collaborate with culinary and nutrition teams on menu development and digital menu accuracy.
• Partner with catering and events teams on high-profile college functions, including Orientation, Graduation, Reunion, Spring Frolics, and Night Owl Breakfasts.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality, Business Management, or related field.
• ServSafe Manager and Allertrain U certified (or within 30 days of hire).
• At least 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in high-volume retail dining or hospitality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, OneNote) and Google Workspace tools.
• Exceptional organizational and customer service skills.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Physical ability to lift, bend, push, pull, and stand/walk for extended periods.
• Ability to meet and maintain all required certifications for licensed dining locations and ensure brand compliance at all times.
• Valid Drivers License

Preferred:

• Experience with branded concepts, Concessions and college/university dining environments.
• Familiarity with digital ordering systems, POS programming, and PCI compliance.
• Culinary or operations certifications are a plus.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

• Balancing
• Carrying
• Lifting
• Pulling / Pushing
• Walking
• Repetitive Movement
• Standing
• Bending
• Reaching
• Twisting
• Driving
• Climbing

Environmental Hazards

• Chemicals
• Confined Spaces
• Dust / Fumes
• Indoor Temperature Extremes
• Noise
• Darkness / Poor Lighting

Lifting Required: 25 pounds

Travel Required: Less than 5 %

Night and Weekend Work Required: Yes

Seasonal Responsibilities: Associate Director may be assigned to work in a different dining unit during school holidays and breaks when classes are not in session.

Information about how to submit an application can be found at https://employment.davidson.edu