Job Description

Job Location Lawrence, KS 66045 Position Type Full Time

Department/Location: Ekdahl/Mrs. E’s
Reports To: Management / Executive Sous Chef
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; Hourly

Pay Rate: The anticipated pay for this position starts at $18.92. The final rate will be determined based on qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry.

Schedule: Full-time; flexibility required including opening and closing shifts

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.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a Supervisor who is passionate about hospitality, teamwork, and operational excellence. This role plays a critical part in overseeing daily operations at a KU Dining facility and ensuring a high-quality experience for guests and staff alike.

You’ll thrive here if you’re dependable, solution-oriented, and confident leading teams in a fast-paced food service environment.

Duties & Responsibilities of All KU Memorial Union Positions

1. Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude while collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment.
5. Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University.

What You’ll Do

Operations & Leadership

• Oversee daily operations including food service, production, sanitation, and inventory control.
• Open and close the facility and assume management responsibilities in the absence of the Manager.
• Enforce KU Dining policies and ensure consistent operational standards.

Managing People

• Supervise full-time and part-time employees, including training, scheduling, and daily oversight.
• Uphold company policies and maintain accurate records of performance and attendance.
• Provide regular feedback, coaching, and support to staff members.
• Address and resolve staff conflicts to maintain a positive work environment.

Customer Service

• Handle difficult or emotional customer situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Solicit, assess, and apply customer feedback to improve service and food quality.
• Communicate guest comments, staff concerns, equipment needs, and emerging issues to leadership.

Job Knowledge & Quality

• Ensure food is prepared and presented in an appealing manner and service areas are well maintained.
• Maintain clean and sanitary food court, dining, production, and storage areas.
• Ensure signage and menu materials are current and accurate.
• Adhere to KU Dining and SERV Safe standards for food preparation, cooking, holding temperatures, and sanitation.
• Coordinate with leadership to resolve product or service quality issues and provide improvement suggestions.

Cost Consciousness

• Assist with planning food production, staffing, merchandising, sanitation, and menu execution.
• Support inventory counts, control procedures, and accurate recordkeeping.

What’s Required to Be Considered

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Previous experience in a fast-paced, high-volume food service environment.
• Proven supervisory experience managing and training a diverse team.
• Prior customer service experience.
• Ability to obtain SERV Safe certification within six months of hire.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn Kansas sanitation requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform tasks involving walking, standing, stooping, and bending.
• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including opening and closing shifts.

The Ideal Candidate

• Is confident leading teams and maintaining high operational standards.
• Brings a guest-first mindset and strong problem-solving skills.
• Is organized, dependable, and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrates accountability and professionalism in all interactions.

Physical Requirements

This position requires regular standing, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds. Must be able to work on your feet for extended periods and follow all food safety and sanitation standards.

We’ve Got You Covered

KU Dining offers great benefits for our team members, including:

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement options
• Professional development and growth opportunities

Ready to Apply?

Ready to join the KU Dining team? Apply online at www.union.ku.edu/jobs and include your resume and cover letter.

Full-time employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.

Questions? Reach out to unionhr@ku.edu for assistance