Service Manager | Shields Family Dining Hall (Two positions available)

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Overview

The Service Manager is a key frontline leadership position within the Shields Family Dining Hall, supporting a high-performing dining program designed to serve student-athletes at the University of Notre Dame. This role is responsible and accountable for all service-related operational aspects of the dining hall, ensuring excellence in guest experience, staffing, and daily execution.

Reporting to the Executive Chef, the Service Manager plays an integral role in achieving a “Best in Class” dining program by overseeing service operations, supporting team development, and ensuring alignment with financial, operational, and programmatic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Service Operations & Guest Experience

• Oversee daily front-of-house operations to ensure exceptional service and hospitality standards
• Maintain a welcoming, efficient, and high-quality dining experience for all guests
• Monitor service flow and address issues in real time to ensure smooth operations

Leadership & Staff Development

• Supervise, train, and coach front-of-house staff to ensure strong performance and engagement
• Support hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and ongoing professional development
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and service excellence

Catering & Special Events

• Coordinate and oversee service for catering events, including student-athlete team gatherings, special events, and travel meals
• Collaborate with culinary and operations teams to ensure timely execution and high-quality presentation
• Manage staffing, setup, service, and breakdown for events while maintaining service excellence standards

Operational & Financial Performance

• Assist in managing labor and operational costs while maintaining service quality
• Support achievement of all financial targets, performance metrics, and operational goals
• Contribute to scheduling, staffing plans, and resource allocation

Compliance & Safety

• Promote and enforce workplace safety, food safety, and sanitation standards
• Ensure compliance with university policies and regulatory requirements

Collaboration with Culinary Team

• Partner closely with culinary leadership to support food production and service execution
• Assist with coordination between kitchen and service teams to ensure efficiency and quality

Facilities & Program Support

• Help oversee dining room setup, cleanliness, and maintenance of front-of-house spaces
• Support marketing initiatives, special events, and dining programs
• Contribute to continuous improvement of service systems and guest satisfaction

Executive Chef Support

• Assist the Assistant Director in all aspects of dining hall operations and administration
• Provide leadership coverage and decision-making support as needed
• Communicate effectively on operational performance, staffing, and service outcomes

• Experience in hospitality, food service, or dining operations, preferably in a high-volume environment
• Strong leadership and team development skills with a focus on service excellence
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with scheduling, staffing, and operational oversight preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Flexibility to work varied schedules, including evenings, weekends, and peak service times

Commensurate with Experience

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.