Café and Cafeteria Manager

Café and Cafeteria Manager

Salary

$52,000.00 Annually

Location

1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

1905271

Department

Finance and Administration

Opening Date

08/03/2026

Closing Date

8/13/2026 11:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits

Job Summary

The Café and Cafeteria Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the College of Eastern Idahos campus café, cafeteria, catering services, and related food service operations. This position is responsible for leading daily operations, supervising staff, ensuring outstanding customer service, maintaining food quality and safety standards, managing inventory and cash handling, and supporting the financial success of the operation.

Working collaboratively with college leadership and the Colleges food service consultant, the manager helps implement operational goals, improve customer satisfaction, and create an exceptional dining experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This position is based primarily at CEIs Main Campus and also supports food service operations at the Workforce Training Campus.

CEIs mission is to provide fresh, high-quality, affordable food options while creating a welcoming, efficient, and student-focused dining experience.

What We Offer

At the College of Eastern Idaho, were dedicated to providing open access to affordable, high-quality education that meets the needs of our students, regional employers, and the community. To support our dedicated faculty and staff, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees:

• Affordable Health Plans: With three medical plan options, you can select healthcare coverage that best meets your needs. See rates here.
• Supporting Work-Life Balance: Earn sick leave with no accrual limit starting day one. Staff accrue vacation leave starting at 15 days a year with a tiered system (Faculty excluded from vacation leave).
• Retirement Savings: Faculty and exempt staff are enrolled in the Fidelity 401 (a)plan. Non-exempt or vested employees are enrolled in the PERSI base plan. View contribution rates here.
• Life Insurance: no-cost coverage for you and your dependents with the option to add more.
• Educational Savings: Significant tuition fee discounts for qualifying employees and their dependents.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy local discounts on cell plans, movie tickets, gyms, and more.

We value your contributions and are committed to your well-being and success. Visit our Benefits Guide for more information: Benefits Guide

Typical Job Functions

• Seeking ways to improve kitchen processes and ensure prompt service.
• Set standards for kitchen cleanliness and ensure cleaning is done regularly.
• Oversee daily operations of the café, cafeteria, and campus catering, ensuring timely, efficient, and friendly service.
• Supervise, train, and provide evaluation input for the food service employees and student workers.
• Shift management, training, and coaching kitchen staff .
• Coordinate food preparation, service, and replenishment to meet campus needs throughout operating hours.
• Managing inventory for food and beverage items to ensure the kitchen is adequately stocked.
• Work with Consultant, CEI leadership, and vendors to support vendor accounts related to cafeteria, café, and catering needs for CEI.
• Work with Consultant and CEI leadership to ensure that the menu is correct and up-to-date.
• Ensure all food is prepared, handled, stored, and served in accordance with health, safety, and sanitation requirements.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, portion control, and service standards.
• Track kitchen waste and looking for improvements for financial return.
• Maintain accurate inventory of food, beverages, supplies, and equipment; place orders as needed and control waste.
• Receive, inspect, and store deliveries following proper food safety and purchasing procedures.
• Operate and oversee point-of-sale transactions, cash handling and related records. Partner with the Business Office on deposits and financial reporting.
• Analyze sales trends, customer feedback, and operational performance to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Respond professionally to customer questions, concerns, and feedback.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe kitchen, service, dining, storage, and equipment areas.
• Assist with menu planning, daily specials, pricing recommendations, and campus catering or special event support as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with college policies, departmental procedures, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Prepare reports, maintain records, and communicate operational needs to the appropriate administrator.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and service-oriented environment for employees and customers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive working relationships across all levels of the College.
• Commitment to excellent customer service and student-centered support.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, motivate, develop, and hold employees accountable while fostering a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.
• Knowledge of food preparation, food safety, sanitation standards, inventory management, and operational best practices.
• Ability to follow and implement recipes, food safety standards, operational procedures, and quality control measures while ensuring consistency.
• Basic computer skills, including email, scheduling, ordering, and recordkeeping systems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with campus departments, vendors, and the public.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office, email, scheduling, point-of-sale, ordering, and recordkeeping systems.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, make informed decisions, and adapt effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, continuous improvement, and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience in a café, cafeteria, restaurant, catering, hospitality, institutional dining, or similar food service environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing day-to-day food service operations, including staffing, point-of-sale systems, balancing, budgeting, purchasing, menu planning, and cost control
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop employees while fostering a positive, accountable, and customer-focused work environment.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, sanitation, inventory control, and cash handling practices.
• Experience providing exceptional customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with leadership while exercising sound judgment and independent decision-making.
• Current ServSafe Manager certification or ability to obtain and maintain ServSafe Manager certification within the timeframe established by the College.
• Ability to work legally in the State of Idaho and meet College employment requirements.
• Ability to repetitively lift 50 pounds.
• Able to work 8 hours on your feet.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Active Idaho Driver's License.
• Incumbent must reside in Idaho (Currently, CEI doesn't sponsor Visas)

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Associate's degree in culinary arts, hospitality, business management, or related field.
• Five or more years of leadership experience in food service, hospitality, institutional dining, or catering operations.
• Current ServSafe Manager certification or equivalent food safety certification.
• Experience overseeing operating budgets, food cost analysis, labor scheduling, and inventory management.
• Experience managing food service operations within a college, university, healthcare, corporate, or institutional environment.
• Experience planning and coordinating catering services and special events.
• Bilingual ( Spanish)

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Physical Demands and Work Environment:

This position involves lifting and carrying items weighing approximately 50 pounds, bending, stooping, and may work in all weather conditions.

On-site work is essential and regular predictable attendance is required. Employees may be required to work at occasional events and handle tasks outside of regular working hours.

Background Investigations:

Employment at College of Eastern Idaho will be contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation and may require a credit and/or motor vehicle background investigation depending on the position. Please refer to Policy 225: Background Checks

EOE/ADA- Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. In addition, preference may be given to qualified veterans under state and federal laws and regulations.

Link to Annual Security Report for CEI:https://www.cei.edu/students-right-know

College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) offers full-time employees a generous benefit package. For information about our medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance benefits please visit the Office of Group Insurance. Positions classified as exempt are offered retirement benefits administered through Fidelity. Information may be found at https://boardofed.idaho.gov/resources/optional-retirement-plan-transition-to-fidelity-as-sole-retirement-plan-provider/.

Additional benefits include vacation, sick, and holiday leave; tuition benefits; and a selection of voluntary benefits.

Employer College of Eastern Idaho

Address 1600 S 25th E

Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83404

Phone (208) 535-5495

Website http://www.cei.edu