General Manager - Cafés and Markets

Job Summary

Central Washington University is recruiting a General Manager of Cafés and Markets to join our Grab-N-Go team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. Were offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. Youll find robust academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role:

This position provides leadership, direction, training, and customer service standards to all levels of staffing that support campus Café Programs, Retail Cafe and Express Markets, spread across the large campus footprint. This position plays a key role in representing CWU Dining and is responsible for ensuring that the campus community and guests that frequent these operations are provided with high-quality, nutritious, safe, appealing and properly flavored food and beverages at a fair price and with exceptional customer service.

In alignment with Central Washington Universitys vision, mission, and values, CWU Dining Services plays a key role in supporting these principles while also upholding our departments own vision, mission, and values. Our vision is to be a key campus partner in promoting the growth of our community through shared culinary and educational experiences. As a member of Dining Services, you will be directly involved in these efforts and are expected to embody both the university, and department, vision, mission, and values in your work. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.

Job Duties

Leadership & Supervision:

• Directly supervise the work and performance completed by the Cafes and Markets Operations, with seven locations spread across the CWU campus footprint.
• Provide unit supervision of the following locations: Cat Trax West, Cat Trax East, The Bistro, Jimmy Bs, Coachs, Northside Café & Market, and The Village Café & Market.
• Directly supervise the Cafés & Markets Supervisor (1), Café Leads (5), student employees, Student Coordinators, and Student Managers.
• Provide active leadership, direction, training, and customer service standards, to all areas of supervision.
• Develop the Café & Market Operations business plan and budget in collaboration with Dining Services leadership.
• Provide oversight and support of all campus cafes and market operations.
• Represent CWU Dining Services in meetings with campus building officials regarding food services.
• Maintain visibility and accessibility with customers, building managers and staff members.
• Model and incorporate CWU Dining mission and value statements at all levels within supervised locations.
• Communicate CWU Dining goals and objectives to the food service management team and ensure that these goals and objectives are clearly transmitted to all staff within the units and that decisions and actions are consistent with these priorities.
• Supervise the work completed by direct reports, ensuring appropriate productivity and quality and provide constructive feedback so as to support success.
• Develop the leadership abilities of student leaders and direct reports through annual reviews, identifying learning opportunities and budgeted training plans.
• Ensure product quality and consistency in coffee acquisition and production.
• Recruit, train and supervise café staff; provide appropriate performance feedback and guidance to ensure employee success.

Supervision:

• Supervise the work completed by Café & Market direct reports, ensuring appropriate productivity and quality.
• Provide direct supervision and oversight of classified civil service staff and student staff.
• Evaluate the work completed by direct reports and provide constructive feedback to support success.
• Provide guidance to direct reports on requirements and/or opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Engage in performance management of employees within the Cafe & Markets.
• Leads recruitment efforts and hiring new employees.

Operations & Customer Service:

• Embrace and manage technology to improve flow through in the operation.
• Manage the inventory from ordering to utilization, including purchasing, receipt, storage, distribution, production, display and sale.
• Collaborate with Auxiliary Enterprises Marketing team to identify and utilize multiple venues for soliciting customer feedback and respond to complaints, questions and special requests.
• Monitor compliance with marketing standards and promotions and take corrective action.
• Ensure that all cafes comply with quality standards for food safety and sanitation and promote a safe work environment through job training.
• Conduct Café audits on all practical and technical aspects of operations.
• Determine and report on the probable causes for budget variances or discrepancies and ensure adjustments are made accordingly.
• Respond to questions, complaints, and suggestions from the campus community regarding cafes and educational programming.
• Manage client MOUs and maintain strong relationships with clear client communication and appropriate follow-up.
• Manage franchise agreements and licensures to ensure contract compliance.
• Ensure that all units adhere to labor contracts and protocols.
• May require to operate company owned vehicle in congested areas

Fiscal Management:

• Analyze, control and monitor labor budget and hours scheduled to ensure budget expectations are met.
• Monitor operational hours and provide recommendations for changes in support of increased or decreased activities and to either reduce expenses or increase revenue generating opportunities.
• Monitor and review reports, including financial statements, production records, staffing schedules, and inquiries from the Auxiliary Enterprises Financial team.
• Train and monitor performance in unit safety, , customer service and food safety.
• Establish and maintain proper controls over resources, including inventory and labor.

Strategic Planning:

• Develop unit budgets, budget objectives, and revisions.
• Develop annual café event calendar to host student centric events at café locations throughout the academic year (i.e., Karaoke, Trivia, Dance Party, etc.).
• Identify annual unit priorities, associated action plans, and measures of success.
• Identify options to maintain and improve physical facilities through capital reserve planning.
• Participate in planning for remodeling or new construction of food service venues, including the purchase and maintenance of equipment and furniture.
• Manage the maintenance programs for espresso and coffee beverage preparation equipment.
• Collaborate with location leads in providing orientation for new baristas and/or anyone in a position responsible for coffee beverage preparation, whether this is a primary or secondary job task.
• Keep abreast of industry news and trends and share relevant information with department leadership.
• Serve on departmental committees and teams as needed.

Culinary Focus & Results:

• Collaboratively develop and implement new concepts and products that align with customer needs, as well as the promotion of campus and department activities and events.
• Develop menus and standardize recipes in collaboration with the Campus Executive Chef and the Dining Services Director.
• Develop annual café and market tasting/vendor promotion event calendar to host industry partners on campus and provide product samplings and brand promotions to enhance operational activities and guest experiences.

Menu Management System (Computrition):

• Oversee Computrition functions performed as part of normal business operations, including purchasing, inventory, transfers and service menus. This position may be required to perform some tasks directly while reviewing or approving work delegated to staff.
• Ensure unit staff are properly trained on using Computrition system by referring them to Dining Systems Analyst for training, as well as providing ongoing guidance and feedback.
• Use Computrition reporting functions to monitor unit performance by reviewing key metrics related to purchasing, inventory, menu mix and costing. Notify Dining Systems Analyst of suspected errors or issues.
• Participates as needed in campus wide special events.
• Emergency Preparedness support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of management experience in the food service industry and/or bachelors degree in hospitality, business administration, or related field.
• Experience leading multiple major systems that support a dining, or similar retail operation, including menu management, inventory, point of sale, cash handling operations and financial reporting and analysis.
• Experience in assessing financial and operational performance.
• Experience with process improvement, with a proven ability to lead projects.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience fostering a supportive and effective workplace while working with students and/or colleagues to uphold institutional excellence.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, communication and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Additional Conditions of Employment:

• Possession of a Washington State Food Handlers Card.
• ServSafe certification within three months of hire and maintenance of certification thereafter.
• Maintenance of a valid Washington State Drivers License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in higher education
• Previous experience working within a cafe and/or market setting
• Knowledge of espresso and specialty beverage operations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated participation in programs designed to promote student success.
• A record of promoting institutional excellence in the work environment.
• Experience working with a bargaining unit workforce.
• Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values.
• Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Dont meet every single requirement? At CWU, were committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity youre looking for!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary: The Hiring Departments expected hiring range is $66,273 - $81,000 annually. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidates current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the full annual salary range for this position is $66,273 to $96,097.

Schedule/Appointment: Sunday - Thursday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (1-hour lunch). Occasional weekend and weeknights

Working Conditions: Work is performed in an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods of time, perform extensive data entry and other computer-related tasks and create/maintain filing systems for departmental records. Some evening or weekend work and/or occasional travel may be required.

Work is performed primarily indoors, at times in hot/cold/noisy/wet areas with some exposure to hazardous equipment and products. Working in temperatures from 0 degrees (freezer) to 350+ degrees (around cooking equipment) is common. Work requires walking and standing (often in a stationary position) for the majority of each shift. Bending/climbing/carrying/pulling/pushing/lifting associated with loading/unloading of supplies and preparation, plating and serving of food is required. Occasional overtime is required, and shift work may be required.

This position is expected to maintain regular office hours to maximize availability for CWU meetings and to conduct daily business. Additional hours are required to provide a presence at catered events and CWU special events that occur evenings and weekends. Primary office hours will vary, with 40+ hours expected, to support the described job responsibilities this position supports. Additional work time is especially required during peak periods and for special events as business demands. Flexibility is an expectation.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

• A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;

• Resume including work history, education, training; and

• Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begins: August 14, 2026

Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Monique Gonzalez

Title: Assistant Director of Dining (Admin Operations and Retail Dining)

Email: monique.gonzalez2@cwu.edu

Phone: 509-963-1591

Website: https://www.cwu.edu/student-life/dining/

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington Universitys policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.