Higher Education Retail Dining Director Job at American Food & Vending (Tyler)

Job Description

The Higher Education Retail Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, daily oversight, and financial performance of all retail dining operations within an assigned higher education account. This role oversees multiple retail concepts and service platforms, drives revenue growth, elevates the guest experience, and ensures operational excellence across campus retail locations. Working closely with the General Manager, culinary leadership, and campus partners, the Retail Director leads all aspects of retail execution, including branded and proprietary concepts, merchandising, staffing, service standards, inventory controls, marketing support, and customer engagement. This position serves as the senior retail leader on site and plays a key role in shaping a dynamic, relevant, and high-performing campus dining program.

Job Responsibility

Lead all retail dining operations for the assigned account, including cafés, coffee concepts, quick-service locations, markets, grab-and-go programs, late-night service, and other campus retail venues
Drive financial performance by managing retail revenue, labor, cost controls, inventory, waste reduction, and operating efficiencies across all locations
Partner with the General Manager to develop and execute retail strategies that support client goals, student engagement, and account growth
Oversee retail managers and supervisors to ensure strong execution, accountability, and consistency across all service points
Analyze sales, traffic, product mix, and operational trends to identify opportunities for growth, improved profitability, and enhanced guest satisfaction
Support the development and execution of retail promotions, seasonal programs, marketing activations, meal plan strategies, and limited-time offers that increase participation and retail capture
Ensure all retail locations maintain high standards for food quality, freshness, presentation, cleanliness, visual merchandising, and hospitality
Collaborate with culinary leadership to implement menus, retail product strategies, recipe consistency, and innovation aligned with campus preferences and current dining trends
Management of National and Internal brand concepts
Oversee ordering, receiving, inventory practices, product rotation, and retail merchandising standards to support quality and minimize loss
Monitor labor deployment, scheduling, and staffing models to align with business volume and service expectations
Recruit, train, coach, and develop retail leadership and frontline teams to build operational strength, engagement, and bench talent
Maintain strong client and campus relationships by responding to feedback, participating in meetings, and supporting initiatives that improve the student and guest experience
Ensure compliance with company standards and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations related to food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and labor practices
Maintain accurate operational reporting related to sales, labor, inventory, service standards, and retail performance metrics
Support new retail openings, concept refreshes, campus events, rebranding efforts, and other strategic projects as assigned
Maintain a visible, hands-on presence in the operation and provide direct support during peak business periods and special events
Perform other duties and responsibilities as needed
Directly supervise retail managers, supervisors, and other assigned team members across multiple campus retail locations
Establish performance expectations and provide coaching, recognition, corrective action, and development planning as needed
Foster a culture of accountability, hospitality, innovation, and operational excellence
Promote strong cross-functional communication between retail, culinary, catering, and overall account leadership

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, Foodservice Management, Retail Management, or related field preferred
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in retail foodservice, hospitality, campus dining, quick-service operations, branded concepts, or multi-unit dining environments
Demonstrated experience leading multiple retail outlets with responsibility for financial performance, labor management, and customer satisfaction
Strong understanding of retail operations, merchandising, promotions, product mix, inventory controls, and point-of-sale systems
Proven ability to analyze business trends and translate data into actionable operational strategies
Strong leadership, communication, client relationship, and team development skills
Experience with high-volume service environments and fast-paced, multi-concept operations
Proficient in Microsoft Office and foodservice or retail systems including POS, online ordering, inventory, and reporting platforms
Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and operational compliance requirements
Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including evenings and weekends as required
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday
Ability to move between multiple retail locations and storage areas
Ability to bend, lift, reach, and carry products and supplies as needed
Ability to lift up to 25–50 pounds

What we offer

Weekly pay
401K with company match
Employee Assistance Program
Eligible employees offered Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Plans, FSA/HSA
Ongoing training and development programs
Bonus programs for eligible positions

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Higher Education Retail Dining Director

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