University of Southern California

Director of Culinary Operations Campus Dining

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA, USA
Full-TimeDepends on ExperienceSenior LevelMasters
Job Description

Welcome to the University of Southern California, where our vibrant campus community is fueled by a passion for learning and innovation. We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team as the Director of Culinary Operations for Campus Dining. This role is essential in providing a top-notch dining experience for our diverse student body, faculty, and staff. We are looking for a talented leader who is passionate about food, dedicated to creating an exceptional dining program, and committed to fostering a positive and inclusive culture within our dining team. If you are a driven and creative culinary professional with a strong track record of success, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

  1. Develop and implement a comprehensive culinary operations strategy to meet the diverse needs of our campus community.
  2. Oversee the day-to-day operations of all dining facilities on campus, ensuring high-quality food and service.
  3. Create and maintain relationships with local vendors and suppliers to source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
  4. Manage and allocate budget resources effectively to ensure financial sustainability and growth.
  5. Mentor and lead a team of culinary professionals, providing guidance, feedback, and training to foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
  6. Collaborate with campus stakeholders, including students, faculty, and staff, to gather feedback and continuously improve the dining experience.
  7. Develop and update menus regularly, incorporating seasonal and local ingredients to keep offerings fresh and diverse.
  8. Maintain compliance with all health and safety regulations, ensuring food quality and sanitation standards are met.
  9. Continuously stay updated on industry trends and best practices to enhance the dining program and stay competitive.
  10. Participate in promotional and marketing initiatives to increase awareness and attract new customers.
  11. Coordinate and oversee special events and catering services, ensuring seamless execution and customer satisfaction.
  12. Foster a culture of sustainability and responsible practices, including reducing food waste and implementing eco-friendly initiatives.
  13. Prepare and present reports to senior management on dining program performance and make recommendations for improvement.
  14. Serve as a liaison between dining services and other departments, promoting collaboration and teamwork across campus.
Where is this job?
This job is located at Los Angeles, CA, USA
Job Qualifications
  • Extensive Culinary Experience: The Ideal Candidate Should Have At Least 10 Years Of Experience In The Culinary Industry, With A Strong Background In Menu Planning, Food Preparation, And Kitchen Management.

  • Leadership Skills: As The Director Of Culinary Operations, This Individual Will Be Responsible For Leading A Large Team Of Chefs, Cooks, And Other Culinary Staff. Therefore, Strong Leadership Skills, Including The Ability To Motivate And Mentor Team Members, Are Essential.

  • Knowledge Of Food Safety And Sanitation: The Director Of Culinary Operations Must Have A Thorough Understanding Of Food Safety And Sanitation Standards, As Well As Experience Implementing And Maintaining These Standards In A High-Volume Food Service Environment.

  • Budget Management Skills: This Role Will Involve Overseeing The Financial Aspects Of The Culinary Operation, Including Budget Planning, Cost Control, And Menu Pricing. The Ideal Candidate Should Have Experience Managing Budgets And Ensuring Profitability In A Similar Setting.

  • Ability To Adapt To A Diverse Environment: Usc Is A Diverse And Multicultural Institution, And The Director Of Culinary Operations Must Be Able To Adapt To The Unique Needs And Preferences Of The Campus Community. Experience Working In A Diverse Environment And Creating Menus That Cater To Various Dietary Restrictions And Preferences Is Highly Desirable.

Required Skills
  • Inventory Management

  • Budget management

  • Event Planning

  • Quality Control

  • Food safety

  • Team Leadership

  • staff training

  • Vendor Relations

  • Menu Development

  • Menu Planning

  • Sustainability Initiatives

  • Kitchen Operations

Soft Skills
  • Communication

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Emotional Intelligence

  • Leadership

  • Time management

  • creativity

  • Teamwork

  • Active Listening

  • Adaptability

  • Problem-Solving

Compensation

According to JobzMall, the average salary range for a Director of Culinary Operations Campus Dining in Los Angeles, CA, USA is between $80,000 and $120,000 per year. This may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, specific job responsibilities, and the size and location of the campus dining operation.

Additional Information
University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Required LanguagesEnglish
Job PostedAugust 19th, 2025
Apply BeforeJune 9th, 2026
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About University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities. An anchor institution in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology and international business.

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