Retail Dining Manager

Position Summary

The Retail Dining Manager for Rice Hospitality provides front-of-house leadership and operational oversight across multiple retail and hospitality outlets, including coffee shops and campus dining concepts. This role is responsible for ensuring consistent service standards, operational efficiency, and exceptional guest experiences across all assigned locations.

Special Instructions to Applicants

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is a hospitality-driven leader with demonstrated experience managing multiple food and beverage outlets, preferably within fast casual as well as full-service restaurant experience. They are organized, proactive, and calm under pressure, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, guest-facing setting. A strong service mindset, operational discipline, and passion for hospitality are essential, along with the ability to lead teams through consistency, communication, and accountability.

Workplace Requirements

Primarily an indoor work environment in a variety of university settings which may include offices, food serveries, and residential facilities. May be exposed to temperature extremes in facilities that are not climate controlled. Requires working at a computer for extended periods (up to eight hours per day). Physical Demands: Moderate to heavy physical activity, which includes the ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, up to 20 lbs. frequently, and up to 10 lbs. constantly to move objects. Regular activities include standing, walking, bending, and lifting for up to eight hours per day. Other physical requirements of the job include manual dexterity and the ability to see, hear, reach, climb, and balance.

Workplace Location

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person at either of the residential college serveries. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Essential On Campus

This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.

Hiring Range

$52,900 minimum, with hiring salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is an exempt (salaried) position under FLSA and not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• Three or more (3+) years of administrative or hospitality management experience
• In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing multiple food and beverage outlets
• Fast-casual and full service restaurant dining experience strongly preferred
• Background in hospitality, hotels, restaurants, or campus dining
• Proven ability to lead front-of-house teams and deliver consistent service standards
• Experience with POS systems, scheduling software, and basic financial reporting

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Service-oriented leadership style
• Able to handle stressful situations with professionalism and positivity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises front-of-house staff, including serving staff, banquet staff, cashiers, baristas, and temporary employees
• Provides coaching, training, and performance feedback
• Conducts performance evaluations and supports staff development
• Enforces safety, sanitation, and service standards
• Investigates incidents and completes required reports
• Cohorts staffing and coverage across multiple outlets