UNT Retail Dining Services, Qdoba - Senior Food Service Manager

Title: UNT Retail Dining Services, Qdoba - Senior Food Service Manager

Employee Classification: Senior Food Service Manager

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Student Affairs

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Dining Service

Department: UNT-Dining-Retail-163710

Job Location: Denton

Salary: salary commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

It’s About the Food!
Why work for UNT Dining? Our employees explain. – YouTube

As the largest self-supported food service department in North Texas, UNT Dining Services is setting the standard for campus dining. With five Dining Halls, more than 20 retail locations, an upscale restaurant, a hydroponic garden, a central scratch bakery, and full-service catering, the department is led by a team of professionally trained chefs and hospitality experts. UNT is recognized as a national leader in university dining, known for its innovative, trendsetting approach and award-winning culinary talent.

UNT Dining Services is home to Mean Greens Café, the nation’s first 100% vegan collegiate dining hall, and Kitchen West, Texas’ first and only university dining hall certified Free From™ the Big 8 food allergens and gluten. In 2021, UNT introduced Eagle Landing, the university’s first standalone dining hall, inspired by urban food halls and featuring seven distinct restaurant concepts—all available for a single Meal Plan swipe.

Recognized for excellence, UNT was ranked No. 2 nationwide for best college food by Delish.com. The department is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Loyal E. Horton Award and the Vegan Recipe Award from the National Association of College and University Food Services. As a founding member of the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, UNT plays an active role in pioneering research on plant-forward diets, food waste reduction, and consumer food choices, all while advancing the principles of healthy, sustainable menus.

Position Overview

The Senior Food Service Manager for Qdoba Mexican Eats at the University of North Texas provides strategic and operational leadership for a high-volume, fast-casual dining location within the university’s Retail Dining program. This role is responsible for driving exceptional guest experiences, ensuring consistent food quality, and optimizing overall business performance while upholding brand standards and university policies.

In this senior leadership role, the manager oversees all aspects of daily operations while setting direction for long-term success. They lead, mentor, and develop a diverse management and frontline team, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Core responsibilities include advanced workforce planning, training and development, inventory and supply chain oversight, food safety compliance, and comprehensive financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and revenue growth strategies.

The Senior Food Service Manager plays a critical role in shaping the campus dining experience by aligning Qdoba Mexican Eats offerings with evolving student preferences and campus initiatives. This position partners closely with Retail Dining leadership to enhance operational efficiency and support innovation across the dining program.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field and three years of experience in food service management; or any equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of dining, retail, and catering operations, along with strong understanding of dietetics management principles and business leadership practices, including planning, budgeting, organizing, controlling, and evaluating performance. Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve operational challenges, make informed decisions related to personnel and food service issues, and apply effective cost and quality control techniques. Proven leadership skills with the ability to train, supervise, and evaluate staff, develop and deliver both formal and informal training programs, and maintain a strong commitment to safety and security standards appropriate to food service operations.

Preferred Qualifications

-5+ years of progressive food service leadership, including senior or multi-unit management in high-volume environments
-Experience with branded concepts such as Qdoba Mexican Eats or similar
-Experience in campus dining or large institutional food service settings
-Proven ability to lead and develop management teams and drive operational improvements
-Advanced knowledge of food safety standards and certification (e.g., ServSafe Manager)

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Job Duties

• Oversees food preparation, quality, and presentation across multiple branded and in-house dining concepts to ensure alignment with established standards, brand requirements, and the expectations of the campus community. Develops and implements strategies to enhance service quality, refine menu offerings, and improve overall guest satisfaction based on feedback and operational insights 
• Exhibits strong leadership abilities and sound judgment. Proficient in training, supervising, and assessing the performance of team members. Capable of creating and delivering both formal and informal training and development programs. Knowledgeable in food safety practices related to the tasks at hand. 
• Monitors product inventory and coordinates with vendors to ensure timely ordering and delivery; manages portioning, waste control, and food cost tracking to support financial goals; and oversees daily sales reporting, product usage documentation, and end-of-day operational procedures. 
• Adheres to all University policies, health codes, and safety standards, regularly reviewing practices to ensure adherence. 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Lifting and Moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Hours Vary

Driving University Vehicle

Yes

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.