Culinary Production Manager

Production Manager Hope College | Holland, MI | Full-Time About the Role Bring your culinary knowledge, leadership experience, and operational skills to the Hope College campus in Holland, Michigan, where dining is part of everyday student life! Creative Dining Services is looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead daily kitchen operations, and balance hands-on culinary leadership with administrative responsibilities and guest interaction. We're seeking someone with strong food allergen knowledge who is confident in training and supporting their team. In this role, you'll work alongside the Executive Chef and Dining Services Director to deliver an exceptional dining experience for our campus community. What You'll Do

• Lead and develop the kitchen team. Train, coach, and manage employees, including hiring, scheduling, timekeeping, and performance evaluations.
• Oversee daily culinary production. Coordinate staffing, food preparation, and production schedules to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Guide menu planning and execution. Develop and select recipes, standardize preparation methods, maintain quality and standards, while meeting guest preferences and nutritional needs.
• Manage purchasing, inventory, and food costs. Coordinate with vendors, monitor spending, and reduce waste to meet budget goals.
• Monitor production and improve efficiency. Forecast food needs, track production volumes, and maintain records to support cost-effective, sustainable operations.
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards. Ensure kitchen cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and compliance with all safety regulations.
• Listen and respond to guests. Participate in Food Committee meetings and collaborate with students, campus partners, team members, and vendors through daily operations and special events.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• At least 3 years of food service management experience, including hiring, coaching, and employee performance management
• Strong culinary knowledge and food production experience.
• Excellent organization, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and culinary or food service management software.
• Both ServSafe Manager and ServSafe Allergen certification.

Preferred:

• Experience with purchasing, inventory, scheduling, and food cost control.
• Experience in campus dining or high-volume food service environments

We offer:

• Competitive compensation and bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Access 24/7 healthcare with TextCare (no copay!)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off
• DailyPay earned wage access
• Significant discounts with partner companies
• Access to pet insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Why Creative Dining Services? Your culinary experience and management skills can make a visible difference here. At Hope College, you’ll help shape the daily dining experience, develop your team, and contribute ideas that improve how the operation runs. Join Creative Dining Services and put your experience to work with a team that values creativity, collaboration, and thoughtful hospitality. About Creative Dining Services Creative Dining Services is a hospitality and food service management company headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan. We partner with colleges and universities, corporate offices, K–12 schools, and senior living communities across the country to create dining experiences that bring people together. Our teams combine culinary creativity, operational expertise, and personal service to make every guest feel welcome. Why just work when you can be Creative.