Operations Manager

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

Operations

Posted on Apr 20, 2026
Position Information
Department Dining Centers (MHD)
Position Title Manager 1-Food
Job Title Operations Manager
Appointment Type Professional Faculty
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
University Housing and Dining Services is seeking an Operations Manager. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position.

This position is responsible for the front of house operations of a dining center that has multiple micro restaurants. This includes coverage coordination, front-of-house restaurant support and problem solving to ensure high quality service and food in conjunction with unit managers and chefs. Sometimes daily, this person will work side by side in concepts for training or support.

This is a leadership position on a management team that sets expectations, coaches and supports the team to achieve goals, and develops and implements processes that support efficient workflow and uphold standards.

This person manages student hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, timesheets and performance. This position is responsible for coordinating all classified staff scheduling. This person works collaboratively with the other managers in the unit, and with dining managers across the department, to support scheduling for academic term breaks, high business periods and professional development time for full-time employees. This person is responsible for how each employee, concept, and the whole dining center presents itself to guests, so attention to detail is expected. Strong communication skills, positive attitude and ability to manage and track multiple priorities in a busy environment are a must.

The position reports to the General Manager for the assigned Dining Unit. This is a professional faculty, 12-month position.

This is a team-oriented staff and there will be occasions when it is necessary to support other areas in Residential or Retail dining beyond those assigned as a primary responsibility. This position works side by side with other managers and chefs to ensure departmental goals are met, food quality standards are followed and to ensure business continuity. This position will be required to work a flexible schedule to ensure the work within the unit is completed and the goals of the department are met. Dining Services is a year-round operation, open from early in the morning to very late at night.

This position performs essential functions and is required to report to work during emergency university closures.

This position will adhere to all OSU and UHDS policies and procedures. OSU Administrative Policies and Procedures, State of Oregon Health and Sanitation requirements, departmental directives and the SEIU union contract are used as guidelines and/or reference materials. This position will work with the Dining Leadership team to ensure compliance with the policies and procedures in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated between Oregon State University and the SEIU/OPEU union.

UHDS recognizes the importance of learning both in and out of the classroom and supports the concept of education as an individual as well as a community experience. UHDS strives to provide students, faculty, staff, and guests with safe, economical, convenient, and comfortable living and dining options, and the department works to maintain the highest educational and service standards. UHDS houses over 5,000 students and offers a variety of living and dining options in 15 residence halls, three dining centers, 10-14 retail and coffee shop locations across campus, a market, and a limited number of student and family apartments.

UHDS is an auxiliary enterprise which is funded solely by customers who use our services — we receive no State or General fund allocation.

UHDS is committed to an appreciation for diversity, and fosters an open, respectful and enjoyable living, learning and working environment. UHDS staff members are expected to demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to providing excellent customer service. Creating inclusive, welcoming, and safe environments are core values of UHDS.

This position requires direct access to, or control over, cash, checks, credit card account information and care, safety, and security of people or property. This position may be required to work in and have access to community areas of student residences while occupied by students. Therefore, position requires a background check prior to hire.

In addition, this position will potentially serve as a back-up person for the delivery/removal of food and beverage items in access-secured residence halls, where there may be minors present; and/or this position may need to regularly access storage areas in a residence hall without an escort. These security sensitive tasks will require passing a Criminal History Check.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.


FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about


Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.


Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation!

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
40% Micro-Restaurant Leadership & Operations
  • Provides operational level management for day-to-day front of house (FOH) decisions in a subsection of micro-restaurants/service areas within the Dining Center, including ensuring food preparation, dining room presentation, cleanliness, and customer service is occurring to the required quality standards
  • Meets weekly as part of the Dining Unit Leadership team to provide operational, staffing and business updates. Utilizes this meeting as an opportunity to get guidance on problems and issues, as well as strategic planning.
  • Provides outstanding customer service to all internal & external clients and pursues open dialog with clients and guests to ensure high satisfaction.
  • Has a physical presence on the floor during meal periods that occur during shift so that customer service, cleanliness, culinary quality and business issues can be observed and addressed as needed.
  • Coordinate & plan special promotions in collaboration with the GM, Managers, & Lead Personnel.
  • Plans, evaluates and revises procedures and practices to ensure efficient, effective workflow and quality standards.
  • Ensures the departments safety and sanitation goals are begin exceeded on a daily basis. This includes ensuring daily temperature logs are maintained accurately & filed for agreed upon time frames, staff are trained & following the established safety and sanitations policies, HACCP procedures are being followed and exceeded, daily inspections are made to ensure all internal and exterior areas are clean and debris free. Unit has no critical violations on the biannual health department inspections.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of customer service standards and training including new employee/student onboarding.
  • Collaborates with the Chefs to ensure the highest quality food, production, presentation, flavor and customer service.
  • Role model and ensure cleanliness in personal appearance, hygiene, food handling, work areas and food storage.
  • Create a work environment that is welcoming to all employees, focused on motivating employees to do better and open to input from all.
  • Ensure that dishes have pricing and proper labels regarding allergens and dietary preference (ie. vegan, Halal, gluten free).
  • Meet regularly with student customers to listen & respond to suggestions as needed.
30% Employee Leadership and Supervision:
  • Utilizes UHDS’s Vision and Values statements as part of Dining’s shared leadership style.
  • Supervise the assistant manager, classified and student staff; effectively recommend hires/fires, orients, plan/assign/approve work, discipline/reward, train, coach, and prepare/sign performance appraisals.
  • Participates in search committees for hiring and then orients new classified staff
  • Meet regularly with classified staff to assess staffing needs, review financial reports, and make course corrections as necessary. Utilizes these sessions to educate micro-restaurant leads on leadership principles and techniques.
  • Identify, develop and implement training programs, including, but not limited to, coaching & mentoring, leadership, customer service, safety & sanitation. Support and track OSU mandatory online training completion.
  • Schedule full-time and student staff according to business needs and in collaboration with other managers.
  • Provides leadership, mentoring, coaching and advising to all staff as needed. Works with direct reports to identify their career goals and provides guidance on how they can achieve them.
  • Prepares and conducts performance evaluations for all professional staff at least once per year. Uses annual performance appraisals to help staff set career goals for the coming year and evaluate success in achieving goals set during the previous performance appraisal. Updates job descriptions annually during performance appraisal period.
  • Provide daily coaching and meet at least once per term one-on-one with each classified staff member to provide performance feedback.
  • Complete performance evaluation for student staff, providing professional feedback & goals.
  • Complete Worker’s Compensation required documentation within set time frames.
  • Evaluates & makes recommendations to the General Manager on appropriate professional staffing levels for each concept.
  • Follow progressive discipline as necessary. Use as an educational tool if appropriate.
20% Administrative, Fiscal and Communication:
  • Administrative decisions include an understanding of the Dining financial goals including food cost, labor cost and menu pricing with the ability to recommend and implement cost saving processes.
  • Attend & participate in Dining and Department meetings; ensuring confidentiality when needed but communicates appropriate information to dining staff as needed.
  • Create & update weekly classified and student staff schedules using scheduling software. Make daily changes to When-to-Work schedules to reflect actual hours, call outs or other labor/scheduling issues.
  • Use When-to-Work software to gather labor reports. Evaluate and share with the General Manager any recommended actions to address financial goals and/or business needs.
  • Uses production reports, financial reports, past traffic counts and sales and other previous history as well as working knowledge to forecast future scheduling, micro-restaurant term hours and staffing for summer conferences and term breaks.
  • Review labor costs with management team. Minimize overtime of non-exempt professional faculty, classified, and student staff by following Departmental policies, guidelines and budget.
  • Payroll: Maintain/Update Time-clock data on a daily basis. Review hours worked for assigned classified & student workers, approve all employee time sheets using time keeping software program within set time frames. Approve/disapprove requests for leave. Maintain payroll records for assigned employees. Explain or clarify rules, processes and procedures.
  • Communicate all relevant information to managers and supervisors in a timely manner including staffing, menu, & equipment issues.
  • Seek assistance and logistical support for busy periods from other directors, managers & chefs when needed.
  • Informs all staff in a timely manner on relevant information related to labor, schedules, customer service or business needs and changes.
  • Actively seeks feedback and ideas from staff and customers.
  • Develop staff training/inspirational days with fellow managers/chefs and Assistant Director.
  • Assist with the completion of the monthly inventory and data entry as needed.
  • Co-ordinate with the General Manager the adherence to the department’s Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DDS) training and compliance policies. Works with the Cashiers to ensure all cashiers are given documented training as required.
  • Expected to communicate clearly with, compassion and respect for all employees, including students.
  • Expected to lead by example, role model a positive attitude and instill a positive attitude.
10% Collaboration and other Duties
  • Builds and maintains collaborative working relationships across campus, and a high level of internal and external customer service.
  • Resolves concerns or complaints received via email, phone or in person when required.
  • Assist with monotony breakers, theme meals, cooking classes or educational programs for guests, staff and/or students as needed.
  • Assume the role of Duty Manager when required.
  • Provide staffing support by shifting employees to cover workload, and be prepared to assist with cashiering, dish room, food production and/or service daily.
  • Actively participate in the coordination of department’s response to emergency situations.
  • Complete various projects assigned by the supervisor.
  • May occasionally be assigned to assist at other dining operations or to work different shifts both short & long term as business needs demand or to ensure business continuity.
  • May support the development and education of undergraduate and graduate students in the form of committee involvement, internship supervision, and/or being in the classroom.
What You Will Need
  • Bachelor’s degree in field appropriate to the work assigned; or equivalent combination of field related education and work experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree.
  • Five years of progressive experience in a commercial restaurant, hotel or institutional food service or catering business
  • A minimum of three years of full-time work experience as a supervisor in a commercial food service operation such as a large commercial restaurant, hotel, catering, or institution required.
  • Demonstrated hands-on management, working in a cooperative and supportive fashion with all staff, assisting as appropriate with identifying problems and creating solutions.
  • Demonstrated passion for food and the food service industry.
  • Demonstrated commitment to provide outstanding customer service.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of financial management.
  • Demonstrated ability to teach others and experience in the development and implementation of training programs.
  • Demonstrable ability to work with and/or lead diverse groups of employees and promoting inclusive excellence.
  • Effective oral, written, and non-verbal communication skills
  • Successfully handle multiple tasks simultaneously and make sound decisions using strong problem-solving skills.
  • Must have thorough knowledge of safety and sanitation principles and procedures.
  • Ability to use a Windows-based personal computer daily, learn new software, and use MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • This position is required to pass and remain a current holder of the ServSafe Certification.
  • Working knowledge of ServSafe principles; certification required within 90 days of employment or when training becomes available.
  • Pursuant to UHDS Policy, this position is required to maintain current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator (CPR/AED) certification (if cognitively and physically able to do so) within 90 days of employment or when training becomes available by the department. Training is provided at department expense. Duty to act ends at summoning professional emergency assistance.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field.
  • Experience within a college or university dining setting.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of food allergens and special dietary needs.
  • Knowledge of food service.
  • Experience managing a multi-cultural, fast-paced, multiple-priority environment.
  • Experience working in a union environment.
  • Working knowledge of inventory/menu/recipe software, time clock software and Point of Sale Systems.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
  • Physical Working Conditions: This is a physically active job in an institutional kitchen / foodservice environment. Incumbent will experience long periods of standing on a hard floor; working with commercial kitchen equipment; fluctuation in work flow, temperature, noise level.
  • The person in this position will often be required to lift/carry/push/pull food supplies, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • This position will be required to work a flexible schedule to ensure the work within the unit is completed and the goals of the department are met. Dining Services is a year-round operation, open from early in the morning to very late at night.
  • This position is deemed essential and the incumbent is expected to report to work during inclement weather, emergency and other University work curtailments or closures.
  • We are a seven day a week operation so weekends and holiday work may be required.
  • OSU is a Tobacco-free campus as of October 2, 2019-. For more information, visit Tobacco Free OSU at - https://health.oregonstate.edu/tobacco-free
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $55,000-$64,000
Link to Position Description
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P09864UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 06/12/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 04/17/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 05/01/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:
Meghan Lockwood
Meghan.lockwood@oregonstate.edu
541-737-6603

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
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