Food Service Director- Benedict College

Overview

Are you a culinary leader with a passion for innovation, teamwork, and creating unforgettable dining experiences? Join us as a Campus Dining Food Service Director and bring your vision to life at the heart of campus life!

In this dynamic role, you’ll lead the strategy, execution, and daily management of dining services at a vibrant college or university campus. From crafting menus that excite and nourish to driving sustainability and student engagement, you’ll be the force behind a dining experience that feeds both body and spirit.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans to enhance the dining program, aligning with the institution's goals, student preferences, and industry best practices.
• Lead the creation and implementation of innovative and diverse menus that meet nutritional requirements, dietary preferences, and sustainability goals while managing costs effectively.
• Oversee all operational aspects, including staffing, procurement, inventory management, facility maintenance, and compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Develop and manage the dining facility's budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, cost control, and profitability while maximizing resources and minimizing waste.
• Lead and mentor a team of managers and staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, professional growth, and exceptional customer service.
• Continuously monitor and improve the customer dining experience, gathering feedback, addressing concerns, and implementing strategies to enhance satisfaction levels.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with vendors, local suppliers, and the campus community to ensure a seamless and collaborative dining operation.
• Requires 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.
  
  

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred but not always required).
• 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in food service management, preferably in campus dining, higher education, or contract food service.
• Proven track record of managing large, multi-outlet dining operations.
  
  

Leadership & Management Skills

• Strong leadership with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop a large, diverse team.
• Experience managing union and non-union staff (depending on the institution).
• Skilled in budget management, cost control, and meeting financial targets.
• Ability to oversee multiple departments: residential dining, retail dining, catering, concessions, and special events.
  
  

Operational Expertise

• Deep knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP compliance.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices, local sourcing, and nutrition-forward dining initiatives.
• Ability to implement technology solutions for dining operations (POS systems, mobile ordering, menu management software).
• Experience coordinating large-scale catering and special events.
  
  

Customer Service & Campus Engagement

• Strong commitment to student satisfaction and engagement.
• Ability to collaborate with university administration, student groups, and faculty.
• Cultural awareness and ability to design diverse, inclusive dining programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8–10 hours per day) while overseeing dining operations and facilities
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds (supplies, equipment, displays)
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, kneel, and perform repetitive motions as required during operational oversight
• Manual dexterity to operate kitchen equipment, office tools, and technology
• Ability to work in fast-paced food service environments, including kitchens, cafeterias, and event spaces, with exposure to heat, cold, humidity, and noise
• Visual acuity to inspect food quality, review reports and financial documents, and operate computers and mobile devices
  
  

Other Qualifications

• ServSafe or similar food safety certification (required or able to obtain).
• Valid driver’s license (if travel between campus locations is required).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and special events.
  
  

Who We Are:

Benedict College is a private, historically Black liberal arts college located in Columbia. Founded in 1870 by Bathsheba A. Benedict, the institution was established to provide educational opportunities for formerly enslaved African Americans following the Civil War. Today, Benedict College serves more than 1,700 students and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, engineering, cybersecurity, biology, and computer science. As a recognized HBCU, the college is known for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, community engagement, and student success.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.