Food Services Manager
Responsibilities
Join our team at Middle East University as the Food Services Manager, where you'll oversee the daily operations of our dining facility. We are seeking a motivated individual who is passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences while upholding Christian values and fostering a welcoming environment for our students, faculty, and staff.
- Operational Management:
- Ensure smooth day-to-day cafeteria operations, including opening and closing procedures, food preparation, serving, and cleaning.
- Oversee inventory management, ordering supplies, and maintaining appropriate stock levels to meet demand while minimizing waste.
- Implement and enforce food safety and sanitation standards, including regular inspections and staff training.
- Develop and maintain efficient workflows to maximize productivity and provide excellent customer service.
- Menu Planning and Quality Control:
- Collaborate with food services staff to plan and execute menus that align with nutritional guidelines, dietary restrictions, and budgetary constraints.
- Monitor food quality and presentation, addressing any issues promptly to ensure consistent high standards.
- Solicit feedback from customers and stakeholders to continuously improve menu offerings and dining experiences.
- Staff Leadership and Development:
- Recruit, train, and supervise food services staff, providing ongoing feedback, coaching, and support to promote professional growth and teamwork.
- Schedule employees effectively to meet operational needs while balancing staff preferences and availability.
- Foster a positive work environment rooted in Christian values, promoting respect, integrity, and servant leadership among team members.
- Customer Service and Engagement:
- Interact with customers regularly, addressing inquiries, resolving complaints, and soliciting feedback to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
- Implement creative strategies to engage the campus community and promote cafeteria events, special menus, and initiatives.
- Cultivate a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the Christian values of hospitality, inclusivity, and community.
- Financial Management:
- Develop and manage budgets, monitor expenses, and analyze financial performance to ensure cost-effectiveness and fiscal responsibility.
- Identify opportunities for revenue generation, such as catering services, special events, or partnerships with campus organizations.
- Collaborate with university administration to align cafeteria operations with institutional goals and priorities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, food service administration, business administration, or a related field (preferred)
- Proficient in English; additional languages a plus
- Proven experience in food service management, including leadership roles in a cafeteria, restaurant, or similar setting
- Strong understanding of food safety regulations, sanitation practices, and industry standards
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Demonstrated leadership abilities, including team building, coaching, and conflict resolution skills
- Flexible—previous cross-cultural experiences a plus
- Commitment to upholding Seventh-day Adventist Christian principles and fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with point-of-sale systems or food service software
Attire
Acceptable Dress: Modest, casual clothing. More formal attire (dress/skirt, dress shirt/tie) for church services. Most people in Lebanon wear typical European-style clothing. Pants are acceptable for women in most settings. Lebanon is a four-season country with cold, wet winters (Nov-Mar) and hot, dry summers (May-Sept), so bring clothing for all seasons.
Unacceptable Dress: Revealing, transparent, tight, spaghetti strap.
Accommodations
It will be arranged by the institution. It may be a dormitory room (possibly shared with another AVS volunteer) or may be an apartment shared with other AVS volunteers.
Living There
Lebanon is a beautiful country on the Mediterranean Sea. It is known in the Middle East for its natural beauty and mountains. It is often highlighted that you can snow ski and swim in the Mediterranean on the same day during some seasons. There are three main languages in Lebanon: Arabic, English & French. There is also a range of religious faiths, including Shia and Sunni Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Maronite Christians, Druze, and a small population of Protestants. Middle East University is the only Protestant university in Lebanon and the only Adventist university in the MENA Union, serving 20 countries. We have a very multicultural staff and student body.
Included
Insurance: AVS standard insurance
Visa
Utilities (AC and heaters may be restricted due to the energy crisis in Lebanon)
Not Included
Airfare
Compensation
Monthly stipend paid in local currency equivalent to $100-150 depending on interview & qualifications
Additional
Photo by Odiseo Castrejon on Unsplash