K-State Olathe is seeking qualified applicants for a Manager of Food Programs and Services which is a full-time, salaried, benefits-eligible position. The Manager of Food Programs and Services initiates, facilitates, and coordinates activities in the research kitchens at K-State Olathe, supporting campus events, K-State research, the Food Innovation Accelerator, and community outreach while ensuring the facility remains in a “research-ready” state This role is essential in advancing research, innovation, and community engagement while ensuring efficient operations and resource management. Key responsibilities include budgeting and strategic planning to maintain financial sustainability, equipment procurement and maintenance, managing supplies inventory, and supervising two departmental positions.
Industry Outreach and Engagement
Facilities Maintenance
Academic Program Support
Internal Program Support
Community Program Support
Kansas State University launched the Olathe campus in April 2011, as the third and newest campus of Kansas State University. K-State Olathe is in Johnson County, Kan., which is part of the Greater Kansas City metro area. The campus embodies a unique vision jointly developed with regional community, government, industry, and university stakeholders for higher education partnership in an urban, innovative, industry centric and knowledge-based environment.
The campus is a strategic partner of the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle, which provides dedicated funding through a 1/8-cent sales tax to K-State Olathe and two other educational and research partners. The region has a diversity of industries ranging from trade, transportation, utilities, professional and business services, and health and education. Major companies include Garmin, Merck, John Deere, Burns and McDonnell, and Black & Veatch. In addition, the Olathe campus sits in the middle of the Animal Health Corridor, which stretches from Manhattan, Kan., to Columbia, Mo., and has the highest concentration of animal health and food companies in the world. The $1.2 billion National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) is finishing construction and commissioning at the Manhattan campus adjacent to the K-State Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI), which will further strengthen partnerships, regional growth and economic development.
The Olathe campus has a mandate in research and education and currently offers programs at the master’s and doctoral levels in urban foods - horticulture, veterinary biomedical sciences, adult education, school counseling and more. Growth of educational offerings at the campus will continue to evolve to meet workforce and industry demands through a variety of credit and non-credit bearing programs that address technical as well as transferable skills. Faculty and instructors at K-State Olathe represent a combination of resident and non-resident, full and part-time experts, and adjuncts from the industry/government sectors. There also are 10 laboratories in research areas currently ranging from food sciences to post-harvest physiology of fruits/vegetables.
Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/ benefits.
This position is on-site.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelors in Food Science or related discipline
• 5 years’ experience in food production, processing, or culinary production
• Able to supervise staff, delegate tasks effectively, and create a positive work environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential for interacting with staff, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to problem solve - able to quickly and effectively address issues that arise, whether they involve customer complaints, staff problems, or operational challenges.
• A strong focus on providing excellent customer service for ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Strong organizational skills. Able to organize and prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and ensure smooth operations.
• Attention to detail to ensure food safety, cleanliness, and adherence to standards.
• Experience in financial management to include budgeting, cost control, and inventory management.
• A thorough understanding of food safety regulations and practices is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of customers.
Other Requirements:
• HACCP trainig and/or certification
• ServSafe Food Handlers certification
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
Application materials must be submitted online to be considered. https://careers.k-state.edu/
For questions regarding the position, contact Martin Talavera, Associate Professor, Sensory Analysis and Consumer Behavior and search committee chair at talavera@k-state.edu (913.307.7324). For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Roberta Robinson, Human Resources Manager at robertar@ksu.edu (913.307.7316).
For best consideration, apply by July 14, 2025. Screening of applications will continue until position is filled.
$65,000-$80,000, Salary commensurate with experience.
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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.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
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.
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 will be granted a first-level interview.
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*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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