Higher Education Retail Dining Director

About the role

The Higher Education Retail Dining Director leads the strategic and operational performance of all campus retail dining concepts at a university in Tyler, TX. Reporting to the General Manager, this senior leader oversees cafés, coffee shops, quick‑service outlets, markets, grab‑and‑go and late‑night venues, driving revenue growth and enhancing the guest experience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead all retail dining operations across multiple campus venues, including cafés, coffee concepts, quick‑service locations, markets, grab‑and‑go and late‑night services.
• Manage financial performance by controlling revenue, labor, cost, inventory, waste and operating efficiencies.
• Partner with the General Manager to develop and execute retail strategies aligned with client goals and student engagement.
• Supervise retail managers and supervisors to ensure consistent execution, accountability and service standards.
• Analyze sales, traffic and product mix data to identify growth opportunities and improve profitability.
• Develop and implement retail promotions, seasonal programs, marketing activations and limited‑time offers.
• Ensure food quality, freshness, presentation, cleanliness, visual merchandising and hospitality standards.
• Collaborate with culinary leadership on menu development, product strategy and recipe consistency.
• Oversee ordering, receiving, inventory rotation and merchandising for national and internal brand concepts.
• Monitor labor scheduling and staffing models to match business volume.
• Recruit, train, coach and develop retail leadership and frontline teams.
• Maintain strong relationships with campus partners, respond to feedback and support initiatives that improve the student experience.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, workplace safety and labor regulations.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading multiple retail dining concepts within a higher‑education environment.
• Strong financial acumen with a track record of improving revenue and controlling costs.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic retail plans that align with institutional goals.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in managing managers, supervisors and frontline staff.
• Excellent analytical abilities to interpret sales data and drive operational improvements.
• Effective communication and relationship‑building skills with campus stakeholders.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of food quality, safety and hospitality.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements related to food service operations.

Required skills