Cafe Supervisor

The Café Supervisor oversees daily operations of an on-campus coffee/café venue, ensuring efficient service and a guest first customer experience. The position will deliver barista training for multiple campus retail locations and provide operatio...

  • 521366
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Department of Housing & Dining
  • Staff Full Time (USS)
  • Closing at: Apr 13 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The Café Supervisor is a dynamic, hands-on leader who oversees daily operations of a fast-paced campus café while fostering a positive, team-oriented work environment. This role is responsible for supervising and developing staff to ensure excellent customer service, and maintaining high standards for food safety, quality, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate thrives in an active setting, leads by example, and is passionate about creating a welcoming and engaging dining experience for the campus community. This position reports to the Operations Manager. Regular work hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.


Key Responsibilities
• Supervise, schedule, and support a team of student staff; provide on-boarding, training, and ongoing coaching to promote strong performance and engagement
• Lead daily café operations, including opening/closing procedures, workflow coordination, food preparation, and point-of-sale (POS) oversight
• Ensure exceptional customer service by actively engaging with guests and resolving concerns in a professional and timely manner
• Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards; monitor practices and implement corrective actions as needed
• Oversee inventory management, product ordering, and receiving; ensure proper storage, rotation, and waste reduction practices

About Us

Housing and Dining Services is a large, self-operated auxiliary department serving more than 5,000 students that call the K-State campus home. The department is committed to providing safe, affordable, and engaging environments that support student success and well-being. Dining Services operates a diverse portfolio of retail and residential dining concepts across campus, including:

• Union Station by JP’s 

• Fast Track (fast-casual concept)

• JP’s Sports Grill

• JP’s Catering Services

• The Bakery at Derby

• Cornerstone Cafés (multiple campus locations)

• Quik Cats Convenience Stores

These operations provide a variety of dining, retail, and catering services designed to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and the campus community.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires one year of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.
  • Valid driver’s license upon employment

Preferred Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Two or more years of experience in food service, restaurant, or cafe operations
  • One or more years of experience in a supervisory or lead role in a food service environment
  • Demonstrated ability to operate a point-of-sale (POS) system and handle cash transactions accurately
  • Experience in a higher education or institutional food service setting
  • Experience working with a student population
  • Familiarity with university procurement and inventory management systems
  • Strong organization skills
  • Coaching skills that support positive encouragement of others
  • Ability to interact effectively with others
  • A commitment to providing quality service and products

Additional Role Information:

  • Valid driver’s license upon employment
  • Food Safety Certification

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • On-line application
  • Resume

Application Window

Applications close on: April 13, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$17.00-$21.81 per hour

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.