Assistant Director, General Chef Manager - Bruce Dining & Kitchen West - University of North Texas System

Denton, TX

About the Job

Title: Assistant Director, General Chef Manager - Bruce Dining & Kitchen West

Employee Classification: Assistant Dir, Dining Services

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Student Affairs

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Dining Service

Department: UNT-Dining-Residential-163720

Job Location: Denton

Salary: salary commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility:

About Us - Values Overview:

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an inclusive environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

It’s About the Food!
Why work for UNT Dining? Our employees explain. – YouTube

As the largest self-supported food service department in North Texas, UNT Dining Services is setting the standard for campus dining. With five Dining Halls, more than 20 retail locations, an upscale restaurant, a hydroponic garden, a central scratch bakery, and full-service catering, the department is led by a team of professionally trained chefs and hospitality experts. UNT is recognized as a national leader in university dining, known for its innovative, trendsetting approach and award-winning culinary talent.

UNT Dining Services is home to Mean Greens Café, the nation’s first 100% vegan collegiate dining hall, and Kitchen West, Texas’ first and only university dining hall certified Free From™ the Big 8 food allergens and gluten. In 2021, UNT introduced Eagle Landing, the university’s first standalone dining hall, inspired by urban food halls and featuring seven distinct restaurant concepts—all available for a single Meal Plan swipe.

Recognized for excellence, UNT was ranked No. 2 nationwide for best college food by Delish.com. The department is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Loyal E. Horton Award and the Vegan Recipe Award from the National Association of College and University Food Services. As a founding member of the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, UNT plays an active role in pioneering research on plant-forward diets, food waste reduction, and consumer food choices, all while advancing the principles of healthy, sustainable menus.

Position Overview

The Assistant Director/General Chef Manager at Bruce Dining plays a crucial role in overseeing the overall food service operation, ensuring that dining services meet the needs and expectations of the campus community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This leadership position is responsible for managing all aspects of food production, menu planning, quality control, customer service, budget management, and staff supervision, all while adhering to operational guidelines and health regulations.

As part of the leadership team, the Assistant Director/General Chef Manager will work closely with the Director of Residential Dining Services to ensure that the dining experience aligns with the institution's goals and provides an exceptional service to its patrons. The position demands a combination of culinary expertise, operational management skills, and the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of kitchen and service staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in related field and four years' of professional related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Maintains a visual sense of urgency at all times. Able to quickly diagnose food operational problems and take immediate corrective action. Communicates complex information with physical action and personal presence instead of relying solely on words. Skill in performing under the stress of frequent interruptions and/or distractions. Ability to prioritize. Skill in working independently and following through on assignments with minimal direction.

Preferred Qualifications

The position requires strong leadership, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for providing exceptional dining experiences in a collegiate environment. Experience in managing large-scale food service operations and knowledge of dietary restrictions is preferred.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

ServSafe Certification (or equivalent) in food safety and sanitation, or can obtain within 6 months.

Job Duties:

Ensures high-quality and safe meal service by effectively managing and leading daily operations. Oversees menu planning, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and keeps it updated using the Food Pro system. Maintains taste and visual standards for all food and promptly addresses any issues to uphold dining quality.
Provides strong leadership by training, supervising, and evaluating team members. Develops and delivers training programs and ensures adherence to food safety practices. Quickly addresses issues such as poor merchandising, food prep, sanitation, unsafe work conditions, and incorrect allergen labeling.
Creates a positive work environment and enhances customer satisfaction by delivering an exceptional dining experience with high-quality food and friendly service. Improves kitchen efficiency to reduce wait times and ensures food safety to provide safe, top-quality meals for customers.
Ensures adherence to University policies, health codes, and safety standards by regularly reviewing practices for compliance. Oversees kitchen operations to maintain strict adherence to HACCP and SOP processes at all times.

Work Schedule:

Hours Vary

Driving University Vehicle:

Yes

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System immediately investigates complaints of discrimination and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.

Source : University of North Texas System