GENERAL MANAGER, District Market - Alder

Job Description Housing & Food Services (HFS) has an outstanding opportunity for a General Manager, District Manager - Alder. The District Market Alder General Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for a high-volume, full-service grocery, cafu00e9 and deli serving the UW community. This role ensures exceptional customer service, efficient day-to-day operations, and strong financial performance while fostering a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace culture. The manager oversees all aspects of staffing, merchandising, food safety, fiscal management, and facility standards to deliver a reliable, well-run, and student-centered retail market experience. RESPONSIBILITIES 50% - Leadership u2022 Communicates the departmentu2019s mission, values and priorities, and ensures unit practices align with organizational goals. u2022 Cultivates a workplace culture centered on exceptional customer service and continuous improvement. u2022 Supervises and supports direct reports, ensuring productivity, quality, customer service, and compliance with UW and departmental policies. u2022 Maintains regular presence on the floor (approx. 90% during peak periods) to remain visible and accessible to customers, staff, and building partners. u2022 Monitors attendance, adjusting staffing levels to meet operational needs. u2022 Ensures unit practices comply with all contracts, policies, and operational standards. u2022 Leads hiring processes, provides onboarding, and ensures completion of all required HFS and UW trainings. u2022 Trains and evaluates staff in safety, customer service, food safety, and job performance. u2022 Supports direct reports with performance development, coaching, and opportunities for professional growth. u2022 Conducts timely and accurate performance evaluations, providing clear, constructive feedback. u2022 Works with HFS Human Resources to ensure adherence to UW, HFS, and bargaining-unit policies when addressing performance issues or corrective action. u2022 Solicits customer feedback through multiple channels and responds to concerns, special requests, and service needs. u2022 Monitors compliance with marketing standards and promotions, implementing corrective actions when necessary. 25% - Operations and Customer Service u2022 Directs daily operational practices and ensures staff understand and follow unit policies and procedures. u2022 Collaborates with Food Services leadership to develop business plans, operational processes, and annual budgets. u2022 Creates and maintains staffing schedules to meet customer service and production requirements. u2022 Identifies and recommends new products and merchandising strategies to enhance customer experience. u2022 Conducts in-service trainings on safety, food handling, and customer service. u2022 Manages inventory from ordering to utilization, including purchasing, receiving, storage, production, display, and point-of-sale execution. u2022 Serves as primary vendor contact for product availability, pricing, delivery, and quality concerns. u2022 Ensures strong controls over inventory, equipment, and labor resources. u2022 Maintains all service, prep, and storage areas in clean, sanitary, and orderly condition in compliance with health department standards. u2022 Sets and maintains par levels to reduce waste and manages documentation and disposal of expired or unsellable product. u2022 Identifies and addresses unsafe conditions, hazardous work habits, or malfunctioning equipment. u2022 Develops and oversees cleaning programs to ensure consistent sanitation and facility upkeep. u2022 Implements security protocols to prevent theft, loss, and vandalism. u2022 Prepares and submits all required operational reports including payroll, production records, and service logs. u2022 Utilizes the Online Accident Reporting System (OARS) for all workplace injuries and notifies appropriate personnel. u2022 Partners with students and student groups in planning and executing special events. 20% - Fiscal Management u2022 Monitors product and service performance, collaborating with vendors to adjust offerings and improve revenue and service outcomes. u2022 Reviews daily sales, P&L statements, and financial reports to identify operational and expense-management opportunities; implements appropriate actions. u2022 Ensures proper controls and separation of duties across purchasing, receiving, inventory counting, and cash handling. u2022 Monitors financial statements, production records, staffing schedules, and inquiries from the HFS Finance team. u2022 Develops and enforces procedures for shrinkage control, waste reduction, and loss prevention. u2022 Analyzes budget variances, identifies root causes, and recommends corrective adjustments. 5% - Culinary Focus and Results u2022 Develops and implements new concepts and products that reflect customer needs and support campus and HFS initiatives. u2022 In partnership with the Chef de Cuisine and Executive Chef, contributes to menu development, product consistency, costing, and recipe standards. u2022 Collaborates with culinary leadership and the Assistant Director to enhance product quality, menu variety, and service offerings. u2022 Stays informed on industry and campus dining trends and communicates new ideas to Food Services leadership. SUPERVISION Manages, supervises and evaluates two Assistant Managers, Chef De Cuisine, multiple levels of classified employees and student staff. IMPACT TO THE UNIVERSITY HFS Markets play a key role in supporting student life by providing welcoming spaces for socialization, collaboration, and community-building. The Markets offer extended service hours and a broad selection of food, beverage, and grocery item to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff. Effective management of these operations directly enhances the campus experience and contributes to student well-being and engagement. POSITION COMPLEXITIES This position oversees a dynamic, high-volume retail environment that requires constant attention to product flow, accurate merchandising, and timely replenishment. The role manages simultaneous demands related to hot food production, deli and grab-and-go preparation, and ongoing inventory movement in a fast-paced setting. Balancing operational efficiency, food quality, and customer service expectations requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills. WORKING CONDITIONS HFS Markets operate seven days a week with extended hours from early morning through late evening. While the position is not required to work all operational hours, scheduling must ensure consistent leadership presence for both staff and customers across the full span of service. This requires flexibility and the ability to work irregular shifts. The role also requires on-site presence during key University or HFS events, which may occur during evenings or weekends. REPORTS TO Assistant Director u2013 Coffee Roasting, Markets and Retail Cafes QUALIFICATIONS u2022 Bacheloru2019s degree in hospitality, business administration or related field. u2022 Minimum of three years of management experience in the food service industry. u2022 Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, communication and problem-solving skills. u2022 Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Project). Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS u2022 Experience in an area of college or university. u2022 Grocery Store, Warehouse, Cafu00e9 Operations and Customer Service Experience u2022 Familiarity with inventory control, merchandising and planogram applications CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT u2022 A satisfactory outcome from employment reference check. u2022 Washington State Food Card within two weeks of hire and maintenance of thereafter. u2022 ServSafe certification within three months of hire and maintenance of thereafter. Compensation, Benefits and Position Details Pay Range Minimum: $84,636.00 annual Pay Range Maximum: $84,636.00 annual Other Compensation: - Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit Shift: First Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00% Union/Bargaining Unit: Not Applicable About the UW Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives u2013 on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. Our Commitment The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 (. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or . Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (.University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Created: 2026-02-16