What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director Dining Services - Retail position at Davidson College?
The Associate Director of Dining Services will provide visionary leadership, operational excellence, and a hands-on management style for our diverse portfolio of retail dining venues. This role oversees Davis Cafe, Chick-fil-A (CFA), Concessions, QDOBA, vending services, and upcoming new retail dining locations.
The Associate Director plays a critical role in ensuring an exceptional dining experience for our students, faculty, staff, and guests-delivering quality, service, and innovation in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Personnel Management
- Directly supervise retail location managers, supervisors, and associates.
- Lead hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management processes.
- Foster a positive and inclusive team culture rooted in customer service and teamwork.
- Conduct regular evaluations, implement progressive discipline as needed, and reward high performance.
- Plan and lead daily team briefings and support brand certification training.
- Ensure all team members meet required certifications for licensed branded concepts (e.g., Chick-fil-A, QDOBA) and maintain compliance with ongoing brand certification and recertification standards.
Operations & Guest Experience
- Ensure brand standards and dining excellence across all retail units.
- Act as a visible leader during service periods; support food production and guest service as needed.
- Oversee menu execution, food quality, sanitation, and presentation across locations.
- Serve as a primary liaison with the Davidson campus community, cultivating strong relationships with students, parents, faculty, alumni, and visitors.
Financial Oversight
- Develop and manage budgets for each retail unit; maintain accountability for food, labor, and operating costs.
- Optimize staffing levels and labor allocation to ensure efficient operations.
- Monitor sales and profitability, manage inventory and ordering, and ensure POS system accuracy and compliance.
Facilities, Equipment & Compliance
- Ensure all dining areas, equipment, and storage facilities are clean, maintained, and meet all safety and sanitation standards.
- Coordinate repairs, equipment replacements, and preventive maintenance.
- Enforce strict adherence to Davidson College, Dining Services, and NC Department of Environmental Health policies and guidelines.
Strategic Initiatives & Innovation
- Support the opening of new retail concepts and food service expansions.
- Collaborate with culinary and nutrition teams on menu development and digital menu accuracy.
- Partner with catering and events teams on high-profile college functions, including Orientation, Graduation, Reunion, Spring Frolics, and Night Owl Breakfasts.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality, Business Management, or related field.
- ServSafe Manager and Allertrain U certified (or within 30 days of hire).
- At least 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in high-volume retail dining or hospitality.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, OneNote) and Google Workspace tools.
- Exceptional organizational and customer service skills.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
- Physical ability to lift, bend, push, pull, and stand/walk for extended periods.
- Ability to meet and maintain all required certifications for licensed dining locations and ensure brand compliance at all times.
- Valid Drivers License
Preferred:
- Experience with branded concepts, Concessions and college/university dining environments.
- Familiarity with digital ordering systems, POS programming, and PCI compliance.
- Culinary or operations certifications are a plus.
Working Conditions
Physical Demands
- Balancing
- Carrying
- Lifting
- Pulling / Pushing
- Walking
- Repetitive Movement
- Standing
- Bending
- Reaching
- Twisting
- Driving
- Climbing
Environmental Hazards
- Chemicals
- Confined Spaces
- Dust / Fumes
- Indoor Temperature Extremes
- Noise
- Darkness / Poor Lighting
Lifting Required: 25 pounds
Travel Required: Less than 5 %
Night and Weekend Work Required: Yes
Seasonal Responsibilities: Associate Director may be assigned to work in a different dining unit during school holidays and breaks when classes are not in session.
Information about how to submit an application can be found at https://employment.davidson.edu
Davidson is strongly committed to achieving excellence and cultural diversity, and welcomes applications from women, members of minority groups, and others who would bring additional dimensions to the college's mission.
