Cafe Manager

Vassar College · Poughkeepsie · $65,200–$79,000 (stated in the posting)

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Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact careers@vassar.edu.

Job Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Cafe Manager provides day-to-day operational leadership for assigned Dining Services operations. The Cafe Manager maintains a strong and visible presence on the floor, ensuring that dining facilities are appropriately staffed, organized, safe, and operating to established standards for service, food presentation, sanitation, and customer experience.

The Cafe Manager supervises Dining Services Supervisors and provides direction, coaching, and accountability to dining employees. The position collaborates with the Director of Operations, Executive Chef, other Cafe Manager, Dining Staffing Manager, and Bon Appétit and Vassar Dining leadership to support a cohesive and effective dining operation.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible and approachable, day-to-day leadership on the dining floor and ensure assigned operations are appropriately staffed, organized, and operating effectively.
• Supervise and provide direction, coaching, training, and accountability to Dining Services Supervisors and dining employees including unionized staff reviews and coaching sessions in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Monitor food presentation, service, sanitation, safety, cleanliness, and overall guest experience, addressing concerns promptly. Participates in monthly safety audits.
• Work with the Dining Staffing Manager to support staffing, scheduling, employee deployments, call-outs, and coverage needs.
• Support catering and other Dining Services operations as assigned, including staffing, logistics, event execution, and coordination with campus departments.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef, culinary team, Vassar College, and Bon Appétit staff to ensure integrated operations and seamless coordination between culinary production and dining services.
• Partner with the Campus Dietitian in addressing any special dietary needs and ensure labeling of menu items in service areas is correct.
• Communicate, build relationships, and respond to concerns to various stakeholders, including management, students, and staff.
• Support the implementation of Dining Services policies, procedures, training, and service standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service, staffing, and the student dining experience.
• Participate in Dining Services meetings, Monthly Safety Meetings, planning, and training.
• Partner with the Director of Operations and Campus Executive Chef to meet financial labor goals.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in food service, hospitality, or a high-volume operational environment.
• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience, including the ability to coach, mentor, develop, and hold employees accountable.
• Knowledge of financial, budgetary, accounting, and computational practices within food service operations.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with employees, students, campus partners, and external partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Vassar College and Bon Appétit employees.
• Comfort using technology to support scheduling, operational, and administrative functions.
• Availability and flexibility to work evening and weekend hours year-round to support campus dining.
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 30 pounds. Team lift anything greater than 30 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for the duration of a shift using repetitive motion with your upper body to complete tasks.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Degree in culinary arts, restaurant management, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Experience managing high-volume dining operations and/or catering.
• ServSafe Certification.

Compensation

The compensation for this position is $65,200 - $79,000 per year.

When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.

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