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Culinary Director

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

Department Summary

Michigan Dining is comprised of eighteen on-campus cafes and markets, nine residential dining halls, Michigan Bakeshop, and the Michigan Catering unit. Our 500 full-time and 1,300 student employees are committed to creative, healthy, and nutritious foods, international cuisines, and sustainability throughout all dining operations.

Position Summary

This role ensures the delivery of high-quality food that meets diverse dietary preferences. Key responsibilities include developing innovative concepts based on market trends, managing food costs, and promoting sustainability initiatives, all while maintaining a strong focus on safety and sanitation through regular inspections and HACCP program management. The position also involves HR functions such as training, professional development, and managing the employee lifecycle. As a member of the senior leadership team, this individual will play a crucial role in strategic planning, vendor relations, and community partnerships, actively engaging with students and stakeholders to enhance dining services. This position will ensure dietary compliance while collaborating with key stakeholders. They will oversee inventory management, implement sustainable kitchen practices, and ensure safety standards are met. Additionally, they will create and conduct culinary training programs to support employee growth. This role is integral to strategic initiatives and community engagement, contributing to an enriching dining experience that aligns with departmental goals.

Responsibilities*

Menu & Recipe development, Culinary Operations: (30%)

+ Manage and maintain the master cycle menu, coordinating changes with designated Dining staff in the appropriate Dining department

+ Responsible for menu and event planning for full campus events, including but not limited to Convocation Picnic

+ Develops new food and beverage concepts based on market trends, customer preferences, and nutritional considerations, and conducts appropriate research & testing

+ Communicates all menu changes to appropriate individuals, including the marketing team, and assistant director(s) for operations review and feedback gathering before final decisions are made

+ Coordinates the department's special dietary needs, food production & sanitation strategies relating to allergy, ethnic, and religious needs

+ Checks, maintains, and inspects with a marked focus on product quality and presentation across all Dining operations; following up regularly in all operations to ensure recipe, menu, and presentation compliance

Inventory & financial control: (10%)

+ Develops, trains, and implements sustainability actions in kitchens, including a food composting program, food procurement standards, and recycling

+ Participate in the formulation of bid specifications for foods, beverages, supplies, and equipment

+ Recommend replacement of existing equipment and acquisition of new equipment based on life-cycle and culinary needs, aligning with industry trends and researchDevelop consistent food cost management practices. Train staff, implement, and hold staff accountable. Owns food costs at the highest level for the full M Dining organization

Safety & Sanitation: (10%)

+ Conduct routine inspection of preparation, storage, and service areas, ensuring proper sanitation is maintained as well as the health & safety of dining guests in partnership with the Dining Senior Safety Representative

+ Development and coordination of a comprehensive HACCP program that achieves a high level of sanitation and complies with all Federal, State & local health laws in partnership with Dining Senior Safety Specialist

Human Resources/ Training: (10%)

+ Make recommendations regarding personnel matters, including hiring, training, performance reviews, promotions, and disciplinary actions up to and including termination

+ Create professional development plans, including ACF accreditation for all Chefs who want to participate

+ Develop, implement, and oversee culinary internship programs with the support of the Dining Learning & Development Director

+ Develop & conduct cooking classes and programs in cooperation with other Student Life departments. Conduct & coordinate regular cooking demonstrations within Dining locations as part of student experience programming

+ Participate in professional organizations, conferences, and training activities, representing the department as required or assigned

+ Develop culinary training and certification programs for culinary staff & coordinate implementation with Dining managers, with the support of the Dining Learning & Development Director

+ Manage a team of direct reports through employee lifecycle management and support managers and directors with employee lifecycle management of all culinary staff as necessary

Leadership: (20%)

+ Serves as a member of the Sr. Lead Team with responsibilities for advising in the planning and directing of M Dining

+ Participates in the analysis of current and future needs of M Dining and assists the Senior Director in planning and directing the administrative, operational, and developmental activities

+ Assists in evaluating the effectiveness of food service activities and provides support in the implementation of organizational changes, policy, and procedure revisions, and new equipment applications to meet the constantly changing needs of the diverse population served

+ Interact with students regularly to address concerns, answer questions, and gather feedback

+ Develop and implement an intake system for culinary events

Vendor & Procurement Management: (15%)

+ Responsible for vendor research and outreach for food products and equipment on behalf of M Dining. Work closely with SLBF Procurement and the M Dining Contract Manager

+ Coordinates site visits with vendors, manufacturers, and farmers to enhance staff training and development, as well as menu innovation

Other Requirements: (5%)

+ Coordinates the departmental food donation process and ensures internal controls

+ Promote the advancement of key external community partnerships and outreach opportunities

+ Attend seminars and conferences as determined in consultation with the Sr. Director to meet the needs of the department

+ Represent M Dining as a member of the University, Division, and Department committees with the authority to make decisions

Required Qualifications*

+ A degree in Culinary Arts from an accredited culinary school, or European apprenticeship, or equivalent experience

+ Minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience as a chef in a high volume, high-quality operation (college, university, or commercial) with a variety of concepts or as a Corporate Executive Chef

+ Experience and comprehensive knowledge of culinary techniques, menu planning, recipe and menu development, dining trends, food ordering and production systems, budget management, use of general and commercial kitchen equipment, preparation, pricing, presentation, and supervision of kitchen personnel. Demonstration of a high level of knowledge in regional, international, ethnic, and special needs/wellness cuisines and processes

+ Experience with procurement systems, product evaluations, bid specifications, and food industry relations

+ TAM, ServSafe, and HACCP certification within 60 days of employment is a condition of employment. If the certification is not acquired within the 60 day period, employment will be terminated. Certification must be maintained as a condition of employment

+ American Culinary Federation certification at the Executive Chef level (CEC) is strongly encouraged to be obtained within 2 years of the date of hire. Failure to achieve this certification within the specified period may result in the termination of employment. Additionally, maintaining this certification is essential for continued employment.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Additional Information

Position Responsibilities Criteria (leadership and behavioral qualities expected in this position):

+ Demonstrates personal and professional commitment to diversity and a solid understanding of and appreciation for cultural, ethnic, and individual differences.

+ Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

+ Demonstrates ability to problem solve and be adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

+ Demonstrates ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate change effectively.

+ Demonstrates oral and written English communication skills, including presentation skills. Bilingual helpful

+ Demonstrates positive and professional public relations skills, excellent interpersonal skills

+ Demonstrates ability to analyze and interpret financial and other data

+ Demonstrates ability to learn computer software and utilize it effectively, and work at the computer for an extended period of time

+ Highly organized with good time management skills, able to anticipate and solve problems

+ Demonstrates ability to manage and provide leadership for a diverse workforce

Financial/Budgetary Responsibility

+ The role oversees and acts as the owner of the food cost of the entire M Dining department.

Working Conditions

+ Must be flexible and able to adapt to change in a fast-moving, intense work environment. This individual is considered a critical employee and will be required to come to campus in the event of emergencies. This position is primarily required to work on campus, with some hybrid work as approved by their supervisor.

Physical Requirements

+ May be required to stand for long periods and move quickly to assist with events and service in our dining halls, cafes, markets, and at catering events as needed.

Direct Reports

+ Campus Bakeshop Sr. Executive Pastry Chef

+ Future: Operations Manager, Culinary Demo & Training

+ Res Dining/ Retail Culinary AD

+ Catering Culinary AD

**The executive search firm Another Source Recruitment Firm has been retained to assist the University with this recruitment. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until August 29th. In order to be eligible for the position, interested candidates must apply through the** **https://careers.umich.edu/** **for consideration. A resume and cover letter are required. Applicants may receive communication from a member of the Another Source Recruitment firm** .

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

Selected candidates whose start date is 4/1/2025 or after, will not be eligible for the university FY25-26 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.

\#studentlife

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

266767

Working Title

Culinary Director

Job Title

Culinary Director

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Dsa Housing Services

Department

MI Dining - Administration

Posting Begin/End Date

7/29/2025 - 8/29/2025

Salary

$112,450.00 - $150,000.00

Career Interest

Hospitality