Director of Dining Services

Director of Dining Services

Amherst, MA 01002
Base Salary: $150,000 - $180,000
Industry: Hospitality
Specialty: Other
Location Type: On-Site

Job Description

A prestigious, top-tier liberal arts college in Western Massachusetts is seeking a visionary Director of Dining Services to lead its culinary operations into a transformative new era. This is a rare opportunity to spearhead the opening of a state-of-the-art, 13-station dining commons and student center, overseeing a $13.1 million budget and a dedicated team of over 200 employees. The college is renowned for its academic excellence and stunning campus, offering a vibrant, intellectual community and a quality of life that is second to none in the heart of the Pioneer Valley.

The ideal leader will be a stabilizing force, responsible for harmonizing a diverse workforce while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and customer service. You will oversee a broad portfolio that includes main dining, retail cafes, a new campus pub, catering, and even an on-campus produce farm. If you are a strategic thinker who thrives in high-visibility roles and possesses a deep commitment to inclusive leadership and operational excellence, this position offers the platform to define the future of collegiate dining.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and general administration for all dining, retail, catering, and farm operations.
• Lead the successful transition and "soft opening" of a brand-new, multi-station dining facility and student center.
• Manage an annual operating budget of $13.1 million, ensuring fiscal responsibility while prioritizing customer satisfaction over financial stewardship.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and retention of a diverse staff of 200, fostering a culture of professional development and mutual respect.
• Ensure strict compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety and labor laws.
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders, including faculty, students, and DEI groups, to ensure dining services support a sense of belonging and academic excellence.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Food Service Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of relative leadership experience in high-volume environments (Higher Ed, Hotels, Healthcare, or B&I).
• Proven expertise in labor law compliance, break-time regulations, and employee management.
• Experience with beverage programs and a basic understanding of liquor laws/SERV Safe (alcohol service experience is highly preferred).
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to navigate a complex, bureaucratic hierarchy with transparency.
• Proficiency in Workday or similar ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Compensation Package Details

• Base Salary: $150, 000 –$180, 000 (commensurate with experience).
• Sign-on Bonus: Flexible sign-on bonus available.
• Relocation: Mileage-based relocation assistance.
• Benefits: Best-in-class health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement: Defined contribution plan with a college match up to 3% and core contributions up to 9% after two years.
• Time Off: 20 days of vacation to start, plus 4.5 floating holidays and 2 personal emergency days.

To apply and learn more about this institutional leadership role, please go to https://careers.horizonhospitality.com/jb/Director-of-Dining-Services-Jobs-in-Amherst-Massachusetts/13949829 and submit your credentials for a confidential review.





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