Job Description

Job Location: Lawrence, KS 66045
Position Type: Full TimeDepartment: KU Dining – Retail
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; Hourly

Pay Rate: The anticipated pay for this position starts at $20.76. The final rate will be determined based on qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry.
Schedule: Full-time · Flexible scheduling · Includes opening and closing shifts, as well as weekend rotation based on operational needs
What We’re Looking For
We are hiring a full-time Supervisor to oversee daily operations and serve as the primary operational resource for staff at a KU Dining facility on campus.
This role manages shift duties involving service, production, sanitation, cash handling, and inventory. The Supervisor ensures compliance with departmental policies regarding guest satisfaction, product quality, food handling, ordering, hiring, and disciplinary procedures.
This fast-paced, team-oriented environment is ideal for individuals who thrive on leadership, operational consistency, and team development.
Successful candidates demonstrate strong culinary knowledge, quality control, teamwork, communication, and sound decision-making.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
At KU Dining, our mission is to create an unparalleled dining experience for our guests, foster a culture of excellence among our well-trained and empowered staff, and provide inviting spaces that reflect the warmth of the KU community. We strive to set a standard that goes beyond nourishment—creating an environment where every meal becomes a highlight of the KU experience.
We employ both full-time and part-time team members to serve the University of Kansas’ diverse dining needs. While our operations are large and fast-paced, every role and every employee makes a meaningful impact.
At KU Dining, we strive to provide a strong work-life balance and usually do - though certain busy periods may call for additional hours or longer days. Even so, our team members enjoy reliable schedules, meaningful time off, and a collaborative atmosphere. You’ll take pride in creating great food for KU students and have opportunities to grow your skills and career.
Duties & Responsibilities of All KU Memorial Union Positions
- Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.
- Support the KU Memorial Unions’ lines of effort, initiatives, and End State as described by the Executive Director, and work to achieve and uphold the department’s mission and core values: community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.
- Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating a cohesive team through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.
- Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude in performing job responsibilities and collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment.
- Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University.
What You’ll Do
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with other Union departments and employees to foster collaboration.
- Actively work to resolve conflicts among employees and promote a positive work environment.
- Assist in planning and executing business activities, including food production, staffing, customer service, sanitation, merchandising, and menu development.
- Help manage inventories, count stock, and maintain accurate records to control costs.
- Effectively handle difficult or emotional customer situations and provide exceptional service.
- Solicit feedback from customers to enhance service and food quality.
- Provide leadership with feedback regarding guest comments, staff issues, equipment maintenance, and other operational concerns.
- Ensure food is prepared and presented attractively and that serving areas are maintained to high standards.
- Assist in maintaining a clean and sanitary environment in the food court, serving, dining, production, and storage areas.
- Ensure all signage in the unit is current and accurate.
- Uphold company policies and maintain accurate records of employee performance and attendance.
- Assign staff workstations, supervise daily operations, and provide training and guidance.
- Review and check employee work to ensure adherence to standards and provide regular performance feedback.
- Adhere to KU Dining and unit expectations for food preparation, presentation, and overall quality.
- Ensure compliance with SERV Safe policies regarding recipes, cooking, and holding temperatures.
- Coordinate with leadership to address any product or service quality issues and offer suggestions for improvement.
- Enforce KU Dining policies consistently with all associates.
- Adapt to staffing levels and manage assigned areas accordingly.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What’s Required to Be Considered
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Previous experience in a fast-paced, high-volume food service environment.
- Supervisory experience with a proven ability to effectively manage and motivate a diverse staff.
- Previous experience in a face-to-face customer service role.
- Strong knowledge of food production methods, materials, and commercial equipment.
- Understanding of business practices related to purchasing, inventory control, operating costs, and cash handling.
- Strong communication skills for listening, discussing, and addressing questions or concerns from employees and customers alike.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including opening and closing the unit.
- Ability to obtain a ServSafe certification within six months of hire and familiarity with Kansas sanitation requirements.
The Ideal Candidate
- Current ServSafe certification at the time of hire.
- Previous experience in a large-scale college, university, or institutional dining environment.
- Proven supervisory experience in a high-volume food service environment
- Strong team leadership abilities with a diverse workforce
- A positive, solution-oriented approach to customer service and facility operations
Physical Requirements
This position requires above-average physical activity, including stooping, bending, extensive walking, standing for long periods, and lifting up to 40 pounds. Must be able to work in a commercial kitchen and active serving environment while following all safety and sanitation guidelines.
We’ve Got You Covered
KU Dining offers excellent benefits for full-time team members, including:
- Generous paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Highly competitive retirement plan with 7.5% employer match
- Two months of paid parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Meal benefits… and more!
Ready to Apply?
Apply online at www.union.ku.edu/jobs and include your resume and cover letter. Full-time employment with the Union Corporation is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check before starting work.
Questions? Reach out to unionhr@ku.edu for assistance.