Position Title: Manager, Dining Commons
Location: SFU Burnaby Campus
Reports To: Resident District Manager
The General Manager is responsible for all aspects of the operation including: budgeting, financial management and weekly analysis, implementation and ongoing success marketing programs, catering services, and concepts. The General Manager must be prepared to work weekdays and sometimes evenings and weekends/holidays.
Now, if you were to come on board as Manager, Dining Commons we’d ask you to do the following for us:
- Manage client relations
- Ensure customer satisfaction.
- Manage staff
- Menu planning and merchandising
- Ensure compliance with strict quality assurance, health, safety and environmental program.
Role Summary
The Manager - Dining Commons is accountable for the leadership, performance, and strategic direction of Simon Fraser University’s Dining Commons. The role oversees all aspects of the operation including: budgeting, financial management and weekly analysis, implementation and ongoing success from both front-of-house and back-of-house operations, ensuring seamless service delivery, culinary excellence, client satisfaction, and financial accountability.
The Manager – Dining Commons works in close partnership with the Resident District Manager, the Culinary Director, the Executive Chef, and other Compass departments, fostering collaboration to deliver a best-in-class dining program that enhances the student, faculty, and staff experience.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and inspire a team of managers and unionized associates to deliver service excellence.
- Mentor junior managers to build leadership capabilities and future bench strength.
- Maintain a strong and visible presence in the dining commons, engaging with staff during peak meal periods (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Build a culture of respect, accountability, and open communication.
- Conduct regular pre-shift huddles, staff meetings, and weekly manager reviews.
- Resolve conflicts effectively, working with HR/LR as required.
Front-of-House & Guest Experience
- Establish and enforce service standards to ensure a welcoming, efficient, and student-centered dining experience.
- Monitor service flow, guest interactions, and staff performance during operating hours.
- Ensure adequate coverage and staffing during peak hours.
- Respond promptly to guest feedback, Foodback system data, and client concerns with timely follow-up.
Culinary Collaboration & Client Relations
- Partner with the Culinary Director and the Executive Chef on menu planning, product quality, and innovation.
- Work with Marketing and Culinary leaders to create engaging and student-focused dining experiences.
- Build strong relationships with SFU stakeholders, including students, faculty, and administration.
- Represent Compass Group at committee meetings, student groups, and client check-ins.
- Serve as the primary contact for the Dining Commons client.
Operations & Financial Management
- Oversee all aspects of dining operations in compliance with Compass Group and SFU standards.
- Manage financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, WORrior reporting, variance analysis, and payroll.
- Ensure accurate scheduling aligned with the collective agreement.
- Maintain audit compliance in food safety, cash handling, inventory management, and pricing updates.
- Ensure 100% compliance with training, certifications, allergen protocols, and Health & Safety standards.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education and at least 5 years of progressive management experience in high-volume food service or hospitality.
- Proven success managing large, diverse teams (unionized and non-unionized).
- Advanced Food Service Training (AFST).
- Health & Safety Level 1 & 2 certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word); POS knowledge an asset.
- Strong financial acumen, including budget control and variance management.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and client relationship skills.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and multi-unit dining operations.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced campus environment.
Working Conditions
- Primarily weekday schedule with flexibility for evenings and weekends.
- Requires on-site leadership presence at the SFU Dining Commons.
Success Profile
- Dining Commons operations consistently deliver an exceptional student and faculty dining experience.
- Strong, collaborative relationships with the Resident District Manager, Culinary Director, and client.
- Financial targets and compliance standards are met or exceeded.
- Staff are engaged, motivated, and performing at high levels.
Educational Benefits:
We are thrilled to offer an exciting SFU Tuition Waiver Program exclusively for our associates and their families. This incredible benefit covers eligible family members, including spouses and dependents under 25 years of age, and applies to both undergraduate and graduate programs. Invest in your future with us and give your loved ones the gift of education!
