The successful candidate will be a collaborative and effective leader who is passionate about delivering high-quality food production and service in a dynamic university dining environment. This individual will possess a strong foundation in foodservice management, foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and provide clear direction and support to both students and classified staff. The ideal candidate will communicate effectively, lead by example, thrive in a fast-paced and engaging setting, and enjoy working as part of a team committed to excellence and continuous improvement.
Required competencies include expertise in food production, foodservice operations, and nutrition sciences, as well as demonstrated abilities in communication, interpersonal and intercultural relations, decision-making, financial management, staff development, coaching and leadership, strategic thinking, maintaining high work standards, and achieving organizational goals and results. The successful candidate will be committed to professional growth while contributing to the ongoing success of the university dining program.
Key Responsibilities Include:
• Assisting the Unit Director in the overall leadership and operation of a dining center, including shared responsibility for customer service, food production management, facility operations, and general foodservice administration. Supporting Dining Services initiatives that address students’ specialized dietary needs.
• Assisting with human resource management functions, including developing employee training and educational programs that encourage job success and professional growth, as well as preparing and delivering employee performance reviews and related documentation.
• Assisting in the effective management of fiscal and facility resources to support operational excellence.
• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues across Dining Services and other departmental functional areas.
• Collaborating with the unit management team to strengthen partnerships between Housing & Dining Services and academic colleges and programs.
• Housing and Dining Services (HDS) is a self-operated auxiliary unit comprising four functional areas: Dining Services, Business Operations, Facilities Management, and Residence Life and Apartment Living. Dining Services supports students living in ten residence halls, a scholarship house, and an on-campus apartment complex through three residential dining centers.
• Dining Services is led by a management team that includes the Associate Director of Housing and Dining, Assistant Directors, an Administrative Dietitian overseeing menu management, a Purchasing Administrator, and Registered Dietitians and Operations Managers with specialized responsibilities across the residential dining program. Together, this team provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and support to ensure high-quality dining experiences and effective program administration.
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.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Additional Role Information:
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Please submit the following documents:
Applications close on: October 2, 2026
$55,000-$63,000 annual
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.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
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.
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.
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.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
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.
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