Higher Education Retail Dining Director

About the role

The Higher Education Retail Dining Director leads all campus retail food operations for a university in Tyler, TX. Reporting to the General Manager, this senior leader shapes strategy, drives revenue, and ensures an exceptional guest experience across cafés, quick‑service outlets, markets, and other retail concepts.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of all campus retail venues, including cafés, coffee concepts, grab‑and‑go, late‑night service and specialty markets.
• Manage financial performance by controlling labor, inventory, waste and operating costs to meet revenue targets.
• Develop and execute retail strategies, promotions, seasonal programs and meal‑plan initiatives in partnership with campus leadership.
• Lead, coach and develop retail managers and frontline staff, ensuring consistent service standards and visual merchandising.
• Analyze sales data, traffic patterns and product mix to identify growth opportunities and improve profitability.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, workplace safety and labor regulations.

Required profile

• Proven senior‑level experience in retail food service or hospitality management, preferably within a higher‑education environment.
• Strong financial acumen with a track record of driving revenue and controlling costs.
• Excellent leadership and people‑development skills, able to build high‑performing teams.
• Ability to collaborate with culinary, marketing and campus partners to align offerings with student preferences.

Required skills

• Inventory management and cost control.
• Financial analysis and budgeting.
• Retail merchandising and visual presentation.
• Compliance with food safety and labor regulations.