Unit Manager

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.

Lead a team of exempt and hourly employees in the successful execution of a food service operation.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

Operational Management

Lead team of non-exempt service staff in the overall management of a retail 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.  
• Operate a small, community-centric on-site café with innovative menus and responsive services.
• 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 catered events including, but not limited to small meetings or group events and commencement week events.
• Develop and 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. Submits necessary requests for repair if necessary.
• 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. Submits requests for repair if necessary.
• Implement and manage Unit-specific sustainability goals and programs.

Fiscal Management

Ensure financial viability of assigned Unit through development and management of budget based on realistic goals. Ensure all financial related tasks are completed in a timely and accurate manner.

• Accountable for financial management of the Unit including developing and managing the annual operational budget which includes, but is not limited to management of MORS, estimation and management of food and labor cost goals, etc.
• Submit all invoices and PCard documentation per HUDS policy and procedure. Audit and review documents for accuracy prior to submission.
• Ensures all reporting is completed per University standards and all record-keeping is maintained in accordance with University policy.
• Encourages creative approaches to improved financial viability including cost reduction initiatives and other related efforts.

Employee and Labor Management

Provide leadership and direction to a diverse team of unionized, non-exempt workforce.  Develop 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.
• Ensures performance expectations and work rules are clearly communicated and implemented via regular coaching, mentoring and regular staff meetings.
• In consultation with Human Resources, imposes corrective action measures as needed while complying with the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and University policy and procedure.
• Ensure Kronos timekeeping system is accurately and regularly maintained. Process timecards and absence requests in a timely manner and per HUDS policy and procedure.

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

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

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• 3-5 years of related food service management experience.
• Experience with the sale and execution of catered events.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel).
• Operational experience with industrial kitchen equipment (dishwasher, oven, ventilation systems, etc.).
• Operational experience with food service applications and computerized menu management systems.  
• Associates or Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Management or related field.
• Strong record of business acumen including financial and human resource management.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new computer systems and applications as needed.
• 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. 
• Previous sales experience in an off-site catering environment.
• Experience managing in a unionized environment.
• Knowledge of Kronos timekeeping software or similar system.
• Knowledge of FoodPro Menu Management system.
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays and be on-call as needed.
• Schedule requires manager to be in Unit during dinner service.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Drug Test, Employment

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Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. 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.