Multi-Unit Food service Director

Company: Thomas Cuisine
Location: San Jose
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

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 ImpactAs 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 values-wholesome, 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
  • Associate's or Bachelor's 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 driver's 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.CompensationWho We AreFounded 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 ambassador-delivering Real Food, Genuine Service, and Enduring Relationships.Additional InformationPosition 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 EnvironmentMust 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 YouAt 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 RelationshipsQualificationsSkillsBehaviors:Motivations:EducationExperienceLicenses & CertificationsEqual Opportunity Employer
    This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Keywords: Thomas Cuisine, San Leandro , Multi-Unit Food service Director, Executive , San Jose, California