What are the responsibilities and job description for the Burge Marketplace Assistant Manager position at The University of Iowa?
University Housing & Dining is seeking to fill an Assistant Manager position in our Marketplace to ensure the quality and presentation of foods prepared and served within the University Housing Residential Dining Marketplaces and other areas of University Dining as assigned. In this role, responsibilities include but are not limited to ensuring the quality and presentation of foods prepared and served within the University Housing Residential Dining Market Places and other areas of University Dining as assigned. Additionally, you will be responsible for scheduling, training, supervising, and coordinating the work of assigned staff as well as performing administrative duties, including the oversight of inventory control related to operational production and product ordering. This role will also collaborate with the management team to coordinate special dinners and events. This position will also be responsible for supporting and implementing the Iowa GROW program with student employees as a part of our commitment to student success.
Specific Tasks & Job Duties
Oversee Food Preparation & Service — Ensures high‑quality production and presentation of menu items in a marketplace dining environment.
Supervise & Develop Staff — Leads, trains, schedules, evaluates, and coaches full‑time and student employees.
Coordinate Daily Operations — Manages workflow, assigns duties, and ensures smooth service throughout all operating hours.
Lead Staff Meetings & Communication — Facilitates team meetings and maintains clear communication with staff and campus partners.
Manage Inventory & Ordering — Oversees inventory levels, purchasing, receiving, and stock rotation using departmental systems.
Ensure Safety & Sanitation Compliance — Maintains Iowa Health Code standards and ensures safe use and maintenance of equipment.
Support Special Events & Menu Execution — Collaborates with management to plan and execute special dinners and campus events.
Provide Customer Service Leadership — Ensures staff deliver excellent service, resolves customer concerns, and monitors service quality.
Analyze Operational Issues & Improve Processes — Identifies trends, recommends improvements, and implements efficiency‑boosting changes.
Maintain Facility Standards — Ensures the dining facility meets institutional expectations for cleanliness, service, and functionality.
Perform Administrative & HR Functions — Handles interviewing, hiring, performance documentation, and recognition programs.
Foster a Collaborative Work Environment — Promotes teamwork, professional growth, and positive workplace culture.
For a detailed job description, please email Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
About the Division of Student Life:
The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, works together to keep our students safe, and provides them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics, Foods and Nutrition, Institutional Management, Hotel & Restaurant Administration or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and supervisory experience.
Experience (typically 6 mo-1yr) in preparation and distribution of foods
Experience (typically 6mo-1yr) in food service management, including staff supervision, training, and inventory control.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) software applications.
Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to effectively transmit, receive and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through appropriate communication methods and behaviors at a working proficiency level.
Demonstrates the ability to adjust and develop self to prepare for new or changing assignments, processes, people or priorities as organizational needs dictate at a working proficiency level.
Experience creating and maintaining a welcoming and respectful environment
Demonstrates a working proficiency in the ability to provide excellent customer and to meet or exceed customer service needs
Ability to obtain and maintain ServSafe certification within 6 months of hire
Desirable Qualifications
Working experience in a large-scale food service operation
Working experience with electronic timekeeping systems, inventory systems, and POS systems
Application Details
To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
- Classification Title: Cater, Dining & Event Svcs Crd
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
- Pay Level: 3A
- Starting Salary Minimum: 45,000
- Starting Salary Maximum: commensurate
- Organization: Student Life
- Contact Name: Michelle Sehmann
- Contact Email: michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu