Food Service Supervisor

Position Title:

Food Service Supervisor

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• High school graduation or equivalent and two years of directly related food distribution experience; or Any equivalent combination of post high school education and experience providing a knowledge or background in institutional food service distribution.

Preferred Qualifications:

Large quantity food production experience in a college, high-volume restaurant, hospital, or a similar large-scale kitchen

Supervisory experience with large teams in food service or retail, including training and developing employees

Proficiency in managing recipes and applying basic math for accurate food preparation

Basic knowledge of food handling, preparation, and serving food in large quantities

ServSafe® or similar food handler certification

Job Description:

Iowa State University Dining serves over 8,000 meals a day across 26 locations—including dining centers, cafés, and markets. As a Food Service Supervisor, you’ll play a key role in helping keep one of these operations running smoothly. This hands-on position blends food service with leadership as you manage staff, support daily prep and service, and help create a positive experience for our students and guests.

Schedule: PM shift with a varying schedule based on operational needs. Works every other weekend or has two set weekdays off.

Watch our team in action HERE

What You’ll Do

• Lead Daily Food Service Operations
  Supervise kitchen and service areas to support meal production and timely service. Prepare food, follow standardized recipes, meet dietary needs, and ensure consistency and quality across locations.

• Support and Train Staff
  Assign tasks and provide direct supervision to student and merit staff. Offer hands-on training, monitor performance, and help maintain a supportive, efficient work environment.

• Manage Sanitation, Inventory & Supplies
  Receive and organize deliveries, label and store food, and monitor inventory. Enforce food safety procedures, participate in cleaning routines, and reduce waste through proper storage and rotation.

• Contribute to Menu & Recipe Development
  Collaborate with the culinary team to test and refine recipes. Support documentation and rollout of menus, including those for special diets and wellness-focused offerings.

• Other Duties as Assigned
  Provide general support and flexibility to meet operational needs throughout the dining system.

What You’ll Get

• Insurance benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on your first day—with timely enrollment

• Competitive retirement options with generous university contributions

• Free meal with every shift

• Paid time off, sick leave, and holiday pay – Enjoy Holidays OFF!

• Consistent, full-time schedule

• Steady work that supports the campus community

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises operations of food distribution, including set-up, service, maintenance, and personnel.

• Plans and prepares work assignments and schedules.

• Interviews and recommends the employment of support staff.

• Trains, assigns work to, and evaluates the performance of support staff, and recommends salary increases, promotions, and status changes, including dismissals.

• Prepares service and supply requisitions.

• Maintains inventory controls.

• Monitors cash register functions.

• Prepares periodic reports on food distribution activities, including inventory records, personnel records, and fiscal reports on cash register functions.

• Consults with other Food Service Supervisors and Managers to coordinate dining facility operations.

• Maintains sanitation and safety standards.

• Prepares menus and pricing boards, and schedules.

• Responds to inquiries and complaints from staff, students, and patrons.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of methods and practices of institutional food preparation and service.

• Knowledge of principles of food sanitation, health hazards, and the necessary precautionary measures.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.

• Ability to establish goals, schedule work, set deadlines for total