Associate Director of Culinary for Residential and Retail Dining

Job Posting Title:

Associate Director of Culinary for Residential and Retail Dining

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Hiring Department:

University Housing and Dining

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Feb 20, 2024

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:  

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage 

• Free Capital Metro bus rides

• Retirement contributions  

• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays  

• Career growth & professional development

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website at https://hr.utexas.edu/ to learn more about the total benefits offered when you join our team!

Purpose

The Associate Director (AD) of Culinary for Residential and Retail Dining is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing culinary operations for all University Housing and Dining (UHD) residential and retail dining areas. The AD of Culinary provides leadership and support in culinary excellence, training, recipe and menu development, innovation, and execution of new dining concepts. This is a hands-on position and will work side by side with the staff on the floor while also being involved in the development and maintenance of food quality standards. Work with the residential Director of Dining Operations in formulating and monitoring a yearly food budget and plan for residential operations. Ensures that UHD residential and retail culinary operations strive for 5-star ratings, continuous improvement, and provide support to the catering team when needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in establishing, implementing, and maintaining The University of Texas at Austin (UT) Dining and branded concept standards, create quality improvements, and communicate them to employees. Works hand in hand with the residential team to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations as well as University policies and procedures (e.g., HACCP, quality assurance, and safety operations). Evaluate new products and equipment, drive innovation, sustainability, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Expand the Food Allergy Support Team (FAST) program into all campus residential locations. Collaborate with the Registered Dietitian staff to establish the #1 nationally recognized Top 9 allergen-free station and promote UT as a healthy destination for students who may have allergen challenges in their meal plans.

• Follow culinary trends and innovate using local sustainable food sources when possible and translate ideas into unique menu and recipe programs that advance the culinary experience across the dining locations. Translate “authentic” international cuisine to the customer. Work with local and national chefs to develop relationships and partnerships. Expand the local cultural experience for students by working with visiting chefs/restaurant programs. Work with local farmers, various food boards across the nation, and the Menus of Change members to bring the plant-forward experience and healthy initiatives to our UT community. Join the Director of Culinary in ideation monthly sessions with campus groups to garner feedback on the residential food program on campus.    

• Manage and demonstrate proven results with food costs, labor, and controllable expenses. Coach and direct daily operations of food production, including menu planning, purchasing, ordering, inventory, food preparation, post-meal analysis, and record keeping. Ensure employees have appropriate equipment, inventory, and resources to perform their jobs and meet goals and deadlines. Collaborate with the catering team to customize special events; establish and work within client budgets as well as ideate to increase sales through special offerings and cultural events. Work with senior leadership team to plan and develop budget projections for all residential food locations on campus.

• Effectively manage and communicate with culinary staff, key personnel, catering staff, and management teams. Highly engaged with the day-to-day culinary leadership team of operations and provide hands-on assistance as necessary. Maintain and develop relationships and UT community satisfaction for all aspects of food production to ensure 5-star operations. Attend and chair in the Director of Culinary absence, monthly focus group meetings with engagement and residence life communities to maintain a stronger insight into their needs, from a culinary standpoint, for the campus overall. Collaborate with the Director of Catering and clients on speci