Overview
LEAD, INSPIRE, and MAKE AN IMPACT!!
Thompson Hospitality is seeking a dynamic Retail Manager to oversee campus dining retail operations at Hampton University. They will drive exceptional guest experiences, develop high-performing teams, and deliver operational excellence. This is an exciting opportunity for a hospitality leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about serving a diverse campus community.
Chick-fil-A experience strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
Manage daily operations of campus retail dining locations, ensuring efficient service and exceptional guest satisfaction.
Lead, coach, and develop hourly team members and supervisors to achieve operational and service excellence.
Monitor labor, food costs, inventory, and other key performance indicators to meet financial objectives.
Ensure compliance with company policies, university requirements, health department regulations, and food safety standards.
Maintain merchandising, cleanliness, and presentation standards throughout all retail locations.
Collaborate with culinary and campus partners to support promotions, special events, and student engagement initiatives.
Conduct regular audits of food quality, service standards, cash handling, and operational procedures.
Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate staff performance.
Foster a positive workplace culture that reflects Thompson Hospitality''s commitment to hospitality, diversity, and service excellence.
Qualifications
Associate''s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 3 years of retail foodservice, restaurant, or hospitality management experience.
Demonstrated experience leading teams in a fast-paced foodservice environment.
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, labor management, and inventory control.
Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and point-of-sale systems.
Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and special campus events.
Preferred
Experience working in higher education, campus dining, or contract foodservice environments.
Chick-fil-A experience strongly preferred.
Chick-fil-A certification a plus.
ServSafe Manager Certification or ability to obtain certification upon hire.
Additional food safety, hospitality, or leadership certifications are a plus.
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to bend, stoop, reach, kneel, and climb as required in a foodservice environment.
Ability to work in varying temperatures, including walk-in coolers, freezers, kitchens, and outdoor event spaces.
Manual dexterity sufficient to operate kitchen equipment, computers, POS systems, and office equipment.
Ability to respond quickly and effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
Competitive Benefits:
Who We Are:
Hampton University is a historically Black university located in Hampton, Virginia, with a rich history and strong ties to the African American experience. Located on the scenic Virginia Peninsula where history meets innovation, HU offers a vibrant academic community with top-tier programs in liberal arts, technology, and graduate studies. Representing 49 states and 35 countries, our close-knit campus is alive with diversity and drive. Hampton University offers more than an education - it's an experience that shapes leaders, inspires dreams, and launches futures.
Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.