Shared-use Kitchen Manager

Current University of Arkansas System employees including student employees and graduate assistants need to log in to Workday via then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for Find Jobs for Students.

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through My Draft Applications located on your Candidate Home page.

Closing Date:

05/09/2026

Type of Position:

ResearchersNo

Job Type:

RegularNo

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus with faculty based on University campuses at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES) and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position please click theApply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations please contact the Divisions Office of Program & Employment Compliance at .

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting please contact Human Resources at or .

Department:

Summary of Job Duties:

The Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks () is a 45000-square-foot state-of-the-art food processing and research facility designed to empower local food entrepreneurs and farmers. As part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture serves as a collaborative hub offering shared-use commercial kitchens specialized processing capabilities and technical assistance to support the growth of local food businesses.

The University of Arkansas is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial shared-use kitchen manager to lead the daily operations of the shared-use kitchen and support a growing ecosystem of food entrepreneurs across Northwest Arkansas. This individual will play a key role in facility management tenant engagement and program delivery while fostering innovation and business success.

Key Responsibilities

Commissary Kitchen Operations

Manage daily operations of the shared-use commissary kitchen and tenant spaces

Oversee tenant onboarding orientations and facility walkthroughs

Assist with tenant profiles scheduling bookings and billing

Generate usage and impact reports using The Food Corridor software

Coordinate kitchen reservations station assignments and equipment scheduling

Ensure compliance with kitchen policies SOPs sanitation and food safety standards

Provide day-to-day tenant support and troubleshoot operational challenges

Maintain readiness of shared equipment prep stations and common areas

Coordinate equipment maintenance repairs and service schedules

Monitor and manage inventory of sanitation supplies smallwares and janitorial items

Oversee dry refrigerated and frozen storage assignments

Conduct routine inspections for cleanliness safety and regulatory compliance

Serve as the primary point of contact for tenant needs and facility access

Document incidents policy violations and follow-up actions

Support tenant retention through proactive communication and service

Entrepreneurship & Program Support

Support networking events and outreach activities

Participate in facility tours and stakeholder engagement efforts

Mentor and support food entrepreneurs in business development and growth

Increase tenant recruitment retention and overall facility utilization

Contribute to grant writing and program development efforts

Support and participate in educational programming for entrepreneurs

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree

Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in culinary arts food operations or entrepreneurship

Preferred Qualifications

Degree in Culinary Arts Food Science or a related field

Experience supporting food startups small businesses or entrepreneurial ecosystems

Demonstrated experience in grant writing and program development

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Strong leadership skills

Experience managing food operations or food business enterprises

Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including entrepreneurs industry partners researchers and community organizations

Excellent written oral and interpersonal communication skills

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Problem-solving mindset with a customer-service orientation

Additional Information:

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application List of three Professional References (name email business title) Resume Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Jean-Francois Meullenet Director and Associate AVP for Ag Research

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

No Background Check Required

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law including age race color national origin disability religion protected veteran status military service genetic information sex sexual preference or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex may be sent to the Universitys Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Feeling Grasping Hearing Lifting Manipulate items with fingers including keyboarding Repetitive Motion Standing Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Kneeling Pulling Pushing Reaching Sitting Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes