Dining and Event Services Supervisor - Diner

Appointment: Regular, full-time (1.0 FTE)

Work Location: 
This position is based on-site in Tacoma, WA.

Please note that we generally do not sponsor applicants for work visas for staff positions. Therefore, we generally require applicants for staff positions to be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Position Summary: 

The Dining and Event Services (DES) Supervisor is responsible for the safe, efficient, and guest-focused day-to-day operations of The Diner. This position leads staff through opening, service, and closing procedures while maintaining high standards of guest service, supporting a positive team environment, and ensuring a high-quality dining experience.
 

The Supervisor provides direction to frontline staff and student employees, communicates daily operational priorities, and responds effectively to staffing needs, guest concerns, and changing operational demands. They ensure compliance with food safety, allergen management, health department regulations, and Dining & Event Services (DES) policies and procedures while promoting consistency across shifts.
 

In addition to supervising daily operations, this position supports the Dining Services Manager with administrative and operational tasks and may assist with food preparation, service, and basic equipment troubleshooting as needed. The Supervisor is expected to uphold Dining & Event Services (DES) standards, philosophy, and service expectations in all areas of responsibility.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: 

• Primarily supervises daily Diner operations with an emphasis on customer service, mentorship and training
• Works with Dining and Event Services management team to support all DES operations as needed. 
• Trains and supervises a pool of Diner staff and student staff members
  • Ensures proper orientation and training of all staff and student staff members
  • Provides continuous customer service training 
  • Works with Diner Manager to coach staff on performance issues and takes corrective action as needed. 
  • Participates in progressive counseling as appropriate
  • Is responsible for and approves timecards of all staff 
• Constructs and manages a Diner team to implement guidelines and procedures to ensure service standards
• Performs initial troubleshooting of food service equipment
• Coordinates repair services with outside equipment center when necessary
• Supports Dining Services Manager with preparing weekly work schedules for staff and finds suitable replacements in cases of staff absence
• Manages the Get Mobile Ordering app used by students, staff, and faculty. Includes making edits to the menu, pricing of items, adding monthly specials, making adjustments when items are out of stock or no longer available, and monitoring hours of availability
• Resolves customer complaints regarding food quality and customer service
• Exhibits strong knowledge of health regulations and food storage best practices, and maintains general cleanliness
• Follows and adheres to departmental and University protocols, standards, rules and policies
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested by Dining Services Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities

The DES Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the work of staff during assigned shifts, providing operational direction and reporting performance or personnel concerns to the Dining Services Manager as appropriate. This position directly supervises student leads and student employees, providing training, coaching, scheduling support, and performance feedback. The Supervisor may also be assigned to oversee the daily operations of other Dining & Event Services (DES) locations as operational needs require.
 

Budget Responsibilities:

• Knowledge and basic understanding of budget
• Awareness of ordering, waste and theft issues 
• Show professionalism in adhering to budget restrictions and changes
• Look for savings opportunities in both labor and product expenses

Qualifications:

Candidates must be able to explain and/or demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and communication skills
• Working knowledge of computers and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job
• Must possess a valid Food Worker Card
• Valid driver's license is preferred
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background inquiry, physical exam (including drug screening) and strength test
• Regular and reliable attendance
• Ability to respectfully work, communicate and provide leadership within a diverse campus community

Education/Experience

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience to include supervisory or lead responsibilities in a high volume restaurant style environment; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. 
 

Language Skills

Must be able to speak clearly, listen attentively, read, write, and understand English.
 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

• Must be able to stand on one's feet for extended periods of time, use hand/finger dexterity continually, and perform repetitive motions 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, strenuous environment.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. on an occasional basis.

Compensation and Benefits: 

Career Framework Information:
Job Family: Auxiliary Services
Level: S3
Pay Grade: 3

The anticipated range for this position is $22.75 to $24.10 per hour. Decisions about starting salaries are made based on the extent and relatedness of the candidate's education and experience and on internal equity and market considerations. 

Puget Sound offers a generous benefits package for eligible staff employees, including: 

• Medical, dental, and vision 
• Life insurance and long-term disability 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Retirement plan options and 403(b) contributions 
• Paid vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, campus holidays and bonus holidays 
• Education benefits, such as full tuition for eligible employees and their families 
• Access to university facilities and entertainment (fitness center, pool, library, concerts, lectures and more!) 

Please note: 
-Positions that work less than .75 FTE (1,560 hours per year) do not qualify for long-term disability or education benefits.
-Positions that work less than .50 FTE (1,040 hours per year) will accrue paid sick leave but are not eligible for additional benefits.
-Temporary positions that work at least .50 FTE (1,040 hours per year) will be eligible for benefits. 

This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

For more information on Puget Sound's non-exempt staff benefits package, visit: Summary of 2026 Benefits for Staff Members in Non-Exempt Positions.pdf - Google Drive

For the Campus Holiday and Bonus Day Schedule, visit: https://www.pugetsound.edu/human-resources

Application Deadline: 
Review of applications will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient number of qualified candidates have been identified. 

Required Documents: 

• Resume
• Letter of Interest 
• 3 Professional References (At least 2 supervisors)

Applications submitted without the required attachments will not be considered. 

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of all required background checks. 

University Diversity Statement

We Acknowledge:

• The richness of commonalities and differences we share as a university community.
• The intrinsic worth of all who work and study here.
• The investigation and reflection enhance that education upon multiple perspectives.

We Aspire:

• To create respect for and appreciation of all persons as a key characteristic of our campus community.
• To increase the diversity of all parts of our university community through a commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts.
• To foster a spirit of openness to active engagement among all members of our campus community.

We Act:

• To achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity.
• To ensure full educational opportunity for all who teach and learn here.
• To prepare citizen-leaders effectively for a pluralistic world.

Puget Sound is committed to an environment that welcomes and supports diversity. We seek diversity of identity, thought, perspective, and background in our students, faculty, and staff. To learn more please visit: https://pugetsound.edu/about-puget-sound-0/mission-core-values/institutional-equity-diversity 

The University of Puget Sound is an equal opportunity employer.