Director of Dining Operations

Director of Dining Operations Appalachian State University United States, North Carolina, Boone 287 Rivers Street (Show on map) May 01, 2026 Request to Recruit Position Title Director of Dining Operations Location Boone, NC Faculty Rank No Provide Rank Position Number 092191 Department Campus Dining - Administration - 170310 Position Summary Information Primary Purpose The Director of Campus Dining Operations exists to ensure the seamless daily execution of all food services, maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency across multiple venues. This role provides the operational oversight necessary to manage complex supply chains, optimize labor, and resolve real-time service challenges that impact the student experience. By grounding long-term strategy in day-to-day excellence, the position ensures that every meal served meets both the university's rigorous standards and the evolving needs of the campus community. Minimum Qualifications A bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field, plus 5 years of related experience, or 7+ years of related experience Demonstrated experience directly managing operations or contracts for 3rd party local or national retail brands or contract service providers Demonstrated success managing a portfolio of units with combined budgets and teams Demonstrated project management skills Advanced communication skills Demonstrated ability to analyze data and develop action plans Excellent organizational and time management skills Good interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with team members Degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions. License/Certification Required ServSafe for Managers or Equivalent within 30 days of hire Preferred Qualifications Preferred Qualifications Experience in a higher education or high volume customer service environment Track record of leading cross-departmental transformation projects Experience directly managing contractors, capital projects, or facility renovations Experience directly managing portfolio volumes >$10mm ServSafe for Managers Certification and advanced food safety certifications Knowledge of OSHA standards and federal safety legislation. Familiarity with labor legislation and federal tax laws.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Operational Leadership Direct Day-to-Day Operations:

Direct the comprehensive day-to-day operations of residential, retail, culinary, and support functions to ensure a seamless integration of services that enhances the guest experience.

Executive Representation:

Serve as the Acting Executive Director in the absence of the Executive Director, exercising a high level of discretion and decision-making that impacts the image and credibility of Campus Dining.

Asset Stewardship & Goal Setting:

Provide strategic stewardship of physical and capital assets, aligning facility maintenance and emergency management systems with broader University values and long-term goals.

Strategic Planning:

Plan and execute ambitious but achievable operational milestones, monitoring progress and adapting strategies to overcome barriers to goal achievement.

Student Voice Integration:

Establish and lead formal feedback loops, such as the Campus Dining Advisory board, to ensure the student experience is directly shaped by the diverse needs of the student body.

Operational Efficiency & Innovation Resource Optimization:

Drive enterprise-wide operational efficiency by strategically leveraging physical, fiscal, and personnel resources to maximize benefits to the University while minimizing waste.

System Innovation:

Lead the development and refinement of integrated operational platforms-including production forecasting, inventory management, and point-of-sale-challenging the status quo to identify and implement creative improvements.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

Analyze complex operational metrics to develop and implement proactive action plans, ensuring all work units consistently meet or exceed performance requirements.

Compliance, Risk & Safety Risk Management & Policy:

Manage departmental risk by ensuring the absolute integrity of scheduling, payroll, performance management, and hiring processes in strict compliance with University personnel policies and state/federal regulations.

Safety Championship:

Champion a proactive culture of safety and hazard recognition, motivating staff to support improvements in safety policies, training compliance, and occupational safety programs.

Regulatory Liaison:

Develop and maintain high-level business relationships with regulatory agencies, ensuring the highest standards of food safety and professional practice.

Talent Development & Collaboration Champion Training & Development:

Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth by providing candid, timely, and constructive feedback and identifying development opportunities that broaden employee talent and effectiveness.

Collaborative Leadership:

Partner with the Directors of Retail, Culinary, Nutrition, Brand Management, Catering, and Campus Dining Business Officer to align service standards, menu innovation, and promotional campaigns across all dining venues.

Talent Management:

Hire and retain a diverse, high-potential staff while modeling trust, commitment, and civility to improve team dynamics.

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement:

Lead and facilitate collaborative partnerships with key campus stakeholders to ensure dining operations are strategically aligned with the University's mission and student engagement goals.

Cross-Functional Advocacy:

Actively involve relevant stakeholders in the refinement and adoption of new dining initiatives; build consensus among partners to ensure high-impact programs meet the diverse needs of the campus community. Type of Position Full Time Position Staff/Non-Faculty Staff/Non-Faculty VISA Sponsorship? VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S. Appointment Type 1.0 Work Schedule/Hours Typical hours of work are Mon-Fri, 8 00-5 00 pm Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12 Mandatory Staff Yes Suggested Salary Range Commensurate with experience Physical Demands of Position Posting Details Information Posting Date 05/01/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Evaluation of Applications Begins 05/01/2026 Proposed Date of Hire Special Instructions to Applicants To learn more about this opportunity or to submit a confidential expression of interest, please contact josh@jdrquest.com We are not accepting online applications through this website. Search Chair Name Search Chair Email Quick Link https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/54071 Posting Number 201501769P