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Assistant Manager, Dining Services (Lowell/Winthrop)

Assistant Manager, Dining Services (Lowell/Winthrop)

locationCambridge, MA, USA
PublishedPublished: 7/7/2025
Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.


Job Description

Job Summary:

Provide management support and oversight to a food service operation.


Position Description:

Operational Management

Assist in leading team of non-exempt service staff in the overall management of a residential unit in full compliance with all food, occupational safety rules and regulations and customer service expectations.

  • Ensures high standards are consistently met via the implementation of all HUDS and University quality assurance policies and procedures related to food, sanitation, equipment and facility maintenance and management, safety, etc.
  • Assistant with the implement and monitor FoodPro menu and inventory management system including, but not limited to: ensuring cost control and mitigation of loss prevention, completion of weekly inventory audits; maintenance of appropriate inventory levels based on menu needs, etc.
  • Solicit, sell, plan and execute simple to complex catered events including, but not limited to conferences, campus-wide events and commencement week events.
  • Work with Unit Manager in developing, selecting catering menus in cost efficient, creative ways that meet the needs of the client.
  • Maintain positive and professional relationships with internal and external University stakeholders. Provide outstanding customer service and ensure specialty diets and other nutritional needs are met.
  • Ensure kitchen equipment (i.e.: dishwasher, ovens, refrigeration, exhaust and ventilation systems) is operational. Alerts Unit Manager of needed repairs.
  • Ensure Unit’s physical plant is organized and in good repair. This includes, but is not limited to: walls, ceilings, floors, storage and receiving areas, servery, kitchen space, dining rooms, etc. Alerts Unit Manager of issues.
  • Ensure that Unit-specific sustainability goals and programs are being followed.
  • Responsible to learn all aspects of retail unit including cash handling and micros.

Employee and Labor Management

Assist in providing leadership and direction to a diverse team of unionized, non-exempt workforce. Promote and maintain a positive and collaborative working environment that promotes, open communication, consistency, fairness and opportunities for continuous learning while achieving the vision and mission of HUDS and the University.

  • Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with front line service staff via regular meetings, two-way communication, timely feedback, collaboration, and consistent visibility in the work unit.
  • Develop and maintain professional relationships with Union Shop Stewards.
  • Interview candidates and hire based on approved staffing pattern. Complete probationary employee evaluation form as required.
  • Assist Unit Manager to ensure performance expectations and work rules are clearly communicated and implemented via regular coaching, mentoring and regular staff meetings.
  • In collaboration with Human Resources and HUDS Management, ensures employment practices are compliant with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement and all University personnel policy and procedures.
  • Kronos timekeeping system is accurately and regularly maintained. Process timecards and absence requests in a timely manner and per HUDS policy and procedure.

Physical Requirements:

  • Position frequently involves long hours and widely diverse duties
  • Must be able to lift (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bend, stoop and perform other physical exertion
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time

Working Conditions:

  • Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed
  • Subject to wet floors, temperature extremes, and excessive noise
  • Standing and walking for significant amounts of time is necessary

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Associates or Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Management or related field; or to two to three years of related, progressive foodservice management experience.Previous financial and human resource management experience in a food industry environment.
  • Ability to learn and adapt to new systems and applications as needed.
  • Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays and be on-call as needed.
  • Experience with the sale and execution of catered events.
  • Experience managing in a unionized environment.
  • Knowledge of Kronos timekeeping software or similar system.
  • Knowledge of FoodPro Menu Management system.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
  • Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse constituency.
  • Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills.
  • Ability to meet multiple deadlines and manage competing priorities.
  • Good professional judgment and ability to independently make sound business decisions.
  • Skilled at addressing a variety situations and negotiating successful outcomes with a diverse group of stakeholders.
  • Must be adaptable to a frequently changing environment and ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
  • Works professionally, ethically and with integrity; uphold the vision and mission of HUDS and the University.
  • A passion for food and knowledge of current food trends.
  • Ability to become ServSafe Certified within six months of employment.

Additional Information
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Criminal, Drug Testing, Education, Employment, Identity

Other Information:

Emergency Status Designation: Essential Personnel

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.