Culinary Production Manager

Join to apply for the Culinary Production Manager role at Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement

3 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants.

Montana State University’s Culinary Services Division (CSD), part of Auxiliary Services, provides meals and specialty beverages for over 18,000 customers daily. The division includes two residential dining halls, a commissary kitchen, retail operations (four coffee shops, Chick‑fil‑A, the Union Market, Bobcat Grill, Brick Breeden Fieldhouse and Bobcat Stadium concessions, Fork in the Road food truck, MSU Catering, Indulge In‑House Bakery, and the Farm to Campus Program).

The Culinary Production Manager will oversee production and staff for assigned concepts, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance with all applicable regulations.

• Provide active supervision of culinary production staff, including hiring, training, disciplinary actions, and performance evaluations.
• Manage inventory and ordering for assigned production areas.
• Conduct daily quality inspections, ensure equipment operation and maintenance, and enforce safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with FDA codes and Food Service Sanitation guidelines as directed by MSU’s Registered Sanitarian.
• Participate in the execution of culinary production for Bobcat Football and other special events.
• Contribute to the department’s mission by performing additional duties as needed.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and comply with state driver requirements.
• Work days, evenings, weekends, long hours, and occasional holidays as required by the school and event schedule.
• Travel occasionally for work and assist with special events in inclement weather.
• Undertake an eight‑hour management sanitation certification or obtain it promptly.
• Communicate effectively in English and interpret safety guidelines.

• Progressive experience in high‑volume food production and/or multi‑unit kitchens, portion control, and quality control, or equivalent education and experience.
• Progressive experience supervising and training staff.
• Proficient computer skills and use of related software packages.

• Advanced degree or certificate in hospitality, culinary arts, or related field(s).
• Experience with a food‑service management system.
• Experience in menu and recipe development.

• Efficient teamwork and collaboration with CS staff.
• Adherence to published operating guidelines for procurement, contracting, and food safety.
• Creative culinary judgment regarding taste, palatability, and food aesthetics.
• Strong customer‑service commitment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, motivating employees to high quality standards.
• Self‑motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Initiative and sound judgment.
• Policy and procedure management.
• Adaptability to changing priorities.
• Network and build strong working relationships.
• Experience facilitating change, managing conflict, and problem‑solving.
• Effective speaking and presentation skills for varied audience sizes.
• Knowledge of state and federal health and food safety guidelines.
• Professional and courteous representation of the department and university.

• Normal service areas, kitchen, cooler, freezer, dock environments.
• Stationary and/or moving for long periods.
• Frequent transport of containers weighing up to 50 lbs and occasionally up to 100 lbs.
• Movement up and down stairs.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, stretching, and general movement during stocking.
• Repetitive motions related to job duties.
• Regular exposure to cleaning chemicals.
• Extended periods at a computer.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class under applicable law. MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and eligible relatives of veterans in compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

All applications should address the qualifications in your cover letter and resume. Positions are being filled on a continuous basis until they are filled.