University of Southern California · 1 day ago
Director of Culinary Operations Campus Dining
Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$122K/yr - $175K/yr
7+ years expThe University of Southern California is one of the largest divisions focused on enhancing the experience of students, faculty, and staff. They are seeking a Director of Culinary Operations Campus Dining to lead culinary vision and standards, drive innovation, and manage dining programs while ensuring high-quality service and satisfaction for the university community.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Oversee full implementation and the Food Management System (CBORD or similar program). Utilizing the program for pre and postproduction, forecasting, waste management and maintaining accuracy and costing for our dining program
Manages the program according to established KPI’s and implements actions in areas where results deviate from expectations
Develop and maintain recipes, portion specifications, and standard preparation procedures for all dishes and ensure that all cooks are following these standards
Have a solid understanding of company invoice tracking, labor tracking, schedule preparation, food cost management, labor cost management, inventory control, and hiring, counseling, and termination policies
Evaluate station flow and drive efficiency in speed of service to streamline operations, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall dining experience
Ensure food presentation aligns with our brand standards, focusing on aesthetic appeal, innovative approach and attention to detail
Lead concept development efforts, working closely with leadership and culinary personnel to understand their needs and ideate innovative culinary concepts
Align culinary initiatives with USC’s Unifying Values as well as sustainability goals
Participates in the development of the strategic vision and mission of the department(s). Helps define the strategy, goals and tactics to meet the unit and department(s) objectives
Participates in the development and administration of department budgets in conjunction with subordinate managers. Meets or exceeds all assigned budgetary targets. Monitors fiscal performance and looks for variances or trends. Updates projections and forecasts on a monthly basis. Proactively implements corrective actions when financial performance of unit(s) does not meet budget. Approves major expenditures and budget adjustments, as authorized. Analyzes data from detailed reports and drives team accountability
Manages the delivery of services for staff, students, faculty and other guests. Sets and communicates department priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes, as appropriate. Develops and maintains systems and procedures to facilitate department operations
Directly or indirectly manages program and administrative staff, usually through subordinate managers and supervisors. Recruits, screens, hires, and trains staff, as necessary. Evaluates employee performance and provides guidance and feedback. Counsels, disciplines and/or terminates employees as required. Recommends departmental goals and objectives, including workforce planning and compensation recommendations. Reassesses or redefines priorities as appropriate in order to achieve performance objectives. Recommends, approves and monitors professional training and development opportunities for staff
Participates in the planning, development and implementation of policies and procedures, including development and implementation of training programs, procedural manuals, special projects and major university initiatives. Continuously improves departmental policies and procedures to achieve standardization of best practices and defined policies and procedures. Implements and supports department-wide quality control processes and initiatives. Ensures compliance by all associates and management with all university, local, state, federal rules and regulations, including those related to Public Health, ABC and NCAA. Develops and maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Screens, engages and manages work provided by third-party outside vendors required to effectively complete assignments to established standards, as required. Ensures contract terms are satisfied
Maintains awareness and knowledge of current changes within legal, regulatory, and technology environments which may affect operations. Ensures senior management and staff are informed of any changes and updates in a timely manner. Establishes and maintains an appropriate network of professional contacts. Maintains membership in appropriate professional organizations and publications. Attends meetings, seminars and conferences and maintains continuity of any required or desirable certifications
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management
Seven years senior culinary management experience
Extensive experience utilizing a menu management system (CBORD, FoodPro, Eatec, or similar)
Valid CA driver's license required
A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment
Demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values
Preferred
Master's degree
Ten years
High volume, complex foodservice operations experience in a university setting
Benefits
The Trojan Family Rewards
A wide variety of benefits and programs that support our staff and their families
Work-life balance and employee well-being
Company
University of Southern California
University of Southern California is a private research university offering opportunities for interdisciplinary study and collaboration.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Southern California has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (253)
2024 (239)
2023 (172)
2022 (207)
2021 (182)
2020 (195)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$19.64MKey Investors
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research InstituteCalifornia Institute for Regenerative MedicineCDA Foundation
2025-02-04Grant· $10.8M
2025-01-30Grant· $5.93M
2024-07-30Grant
Leadership Team
David A Barnhart
Director, USC Space Engineering Research Center
H
Hossein Pourmand
Assistant Vice President, Research Initiatives, University Advancement
Recent News
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