Multi-Unit Food service Director

Join our REAL Food mission! Lead with Heart. Serve with Purpose.

We are seeking a seasoned and service-driven Multi-Unit Food Service Director to lead all culinary operations at West Valley-Mission Community College District in San Jose CA. This is an exciting opportunity for a hospitality professional who thrives in a fast-paced multi-site academic environment and is passionate about bringing fresh scratch-made food to students faculty and staff.

Your Role and Impact

As the Multi-Unit Food Service Director you will oversee day-to-day food operations across multiple buildings and dining venues at both West Valley College and Mission College campuses. You will lead culinary teams coordinate with campus stakeholders and ensure that every meal served supports our REAL food valueswholesome flavorful and made from scratch. Your leadership will enhance student life support faculty and staff wellbeing and create welcoming spaces for the entire college community.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all food service operations across both college campuses including multiple retail outlets catering and campus events.
• Lead support and develop culinary and front-of-house managers at each location.
• Build strong partnerships with college administrators student organizations and facilities teams to align food service with campus needs and values.
• Ensure consistent operational excellence across sites maintaining high standards for food quality safety sanitation and customer service.
• Manage department budgets food and labor costs vendor relationships and inventory systems.
• Drive innovation in menu planning with a focus on nutrition-forward culturally inclusive and student-friendly options.
• Implement and monitor all compliance standards related to food safety local regulations and sustainability initiatives.
• Lead large-scale campus events and collaborate on student engagement efforts.
• Foster a values-driven inclusive workplace that supports team development and retention.
• Serve as the key liaison between Thomas Cuisine and campus leadership.

Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Culinary Arts Hospitality Food Service Management or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in multi-unit food service operations; higher education experience strongly preferred.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing food and labor budgets in a multi-site setting.
• Expertise in food safety regulatory compliance and sustainable practices.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams in a high-volume customer-focused environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across diverse campus communities.
• ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Valid drivers license and flexibility to travel between campus buildings.

Why Join Us

Make a Difference: Support student success through REAL food and warm inclusive service.

Innovation-Friendly: Collaborate on menus and programs that reflect student trends and diverse cultures.

Growth-Focused: Thrive in a values-driven company that promotes leadership development.

Robust Benefits: Enjoy medical dental vision PTO 401(k) match and more.

Compensation

Annual Salary Range: $90000 $110000 depending on experience plus performance bonus potential.

Who We Are

Founded in 1986 Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing and unifying power of whole foods preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Every Thomas Cuisine team member is a mission ambassadordelivering Real Food Genuine Service and Enduring Relationships.

Additional Information

Position may require occasional travel for training events or special initiatives.

Participation in campus emergency response and manager-on-duty rotations may be required.

Flexibility and a strong on-site leadership presence are essential for success.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Must be able to stand walk lift up to 40 lbs. and navigate between buildings on campus.

Work is performed primarily indoors with occasional exposure to outdoor weather.

Noise levels are moderate; kitchen hazards such as hot surfaces and equipment are present.

Frequent hand washing and adherence to sanitation protocols are required.

Our Commitment to You

At Thomas Cuisine we believe that diversity equity inclusion and belonging are essential to our mission. We foster a workplace where all voices are valued and every team member can thrive.

REAL Food Genuine Service Enduring Relationships

Required Experience:

Director