New

Director of Dining Services

Amherst College
vision insurance, relocation assistance
United States, Massachusetts, Amherst
6 East Drive (Show on map)
Mar 18, 2026
Director of Dining Services Amherst, MA 01002 Base Salary: $150,000 - $180,000 Industry: Hospitality Specialty: Other Location Type: On-Site Job Description A prestigious, top-tier liberal arts college in Western Massachusetts is seeking a visionary Director of Dining Services to lead its culinary operations into a transformative new era. This is a rare opportunity to spearhead the opening of a state-of-the-art, 13-station dining commons and student center, overseeing a $13.1 million budget and a dedicated team of over 200 employees. The college is renowned for its academic excellence and stunning campus, offering a vibrant, intellectual community and a quality of life that is second to none in the heart of the Pioneer Valley. The ideal leader will be a stabilizing force, responsible for harmonizing a diverse workforce while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and customer service. You will oversee a broad portfolio that includes main dining, retail cafes, a new campus pub, catering, and even an on-campus produce farm. If you are a strategic thinker who thrives in high-visibility roles and possesses a deep commitment to inclusive leadership and operational excellence, this position offers the platform to define the future of collegiate dining. Position Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership and general administration for all dining, retail, catering, and farm operations. Lead the successful transition and "soft opening" of a brand-new, multi-station dining facility and student center. Manage an annual operating budget of $13.1 million, ensuring fiscal responsibility while prioritizing customer satisfaction over financial stewardship. Oversee the recruitment, training, and retention of a diverse staff of 200, fostering a culture of professional development and mutual respect. Ensure strict compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety and labor laws. Collaborate with campus stakeholders, including faculty, students, and DEI groups, to ensure dining services support a sense of belonging and academic excellence. Position Requirements Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Food Service Management, or a related field. 10+ years of relative leadership experience in high-volume environments (Higher Ed, Hotels, Healthcare, or B&I). Proven expertise in labor law compliance, break-time regulations, and employee management. Experience with beverage programs and a basic understanding of liquor laws/SERV Safe (alcohol service experience is highly preferred). Exceptional communication skills and the ability to navigate a complex, bureaucratic hierarchy with transparency. Proficiency in Workday or similar ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite. Compensation Package Details Base Salary: $150, 000 –$180, 000 (commensurate with experience). Sign-on Bonus: Flexible sign-on bonus available. Relocation: Mileage-based relocation assistance. Benefits: Best-in-class health, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement: Defined contribution plan with a college match up to 3% and core contributions up to 9% after two years. Time Off: 20 days of vacation to start, plus 4.5 floating holidays and 2 personal emergency days. To apply and learn more about this institutional leadership role, please go to https://careers.horizonhospitality.com/jb/Director-of-Dining-Services-Jobs-in-Amherst-Massachusetts/13949829 and submit your credentials for a confidential review. jeid-7dd2f109b9f7de4fb970dcca6f914aae