Culinary Operations Manager

Skagit Valley College

Mount Vernon, WA

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$6,500–$6,833

SKILLS

Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Alliance/Partner Management, Bakery, Best Practices, Brewing, Budget Management, Budgeting, Catering Services, Communication Skills, Community Programs, Community Relations, Community Support, Cook Dishes, Credit Cards, Culinary Operations, Customer Support/Service, Data Collection, Demographics, Diversity, Documentation, Establish Priorities, Event Management, Expense Tracking, Facilities and Maintenance, Financial Analysis, Financial Management, Financial Planning, Food Services, Health Department, Health Insurance, High School Diploma, Higher Education, Hospitality and Tourism, Hubs, Interpersonal Skills, Inventory Management, Laboratory Operations, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Marketing, Mentoring, Needs Assessment, Operations Management, Operations Planning, Operations Processes, Procedure Implementation, Procurement Management, Product Reviews, Program Planning, Property Maintenance, Purchase Orders, Purchasing/Procurement, Reconciliation, Recreation, Regulations, Restaurant, Retail Management, Retirement Plan, Revenue Management, Safety Compliance, Sanitation, Scholarship, Staff Development, State Laws and Regulations, Sustainability, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum, United States Citizen, Vendor/Supplier Planning, Vendor/Supplier Relations

LOCATION

Mount Vernon, WA

POSTED

1 day ago

Salary: $6,500.00 - $6,833.00 Monthly
Location : Mount Vernon Campus, Mount Vernon, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: E26-006
Department: Professional Technical Education
Opening Date:04/14/2026

Position Summary

The Opportunity: This position exists to direct enterprises that allow Culinary students hands-on practice and experience with key skills that they are learning in the program: a bakery, a cafe, a food truck, a coffee shop, and catering operations. The position works with faculty to not only manage the day-to-day operations of the programs, but to chart the program's long-term future by planning the move into a new building, researching and prioritizing major equipment purchases, and responding to input from the advisory committee. Community and vendor relations are key components of the role: this position coordinates program participation in community and campus events that build visibility, supports marketing efforts, and is responsible for building and maintaining relations with producers and vendors, especially those with local, sustainable options.
This position is full-time, working 40 hours a week, 11 months per year, working September through June and half-time in July and August. This position is located at the SVC Mount Vernon Campus and reports to the Executive Dean of Workforce.
About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the (SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor's degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC's Vision statement; "Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities."

SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all.

SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and to diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply.

Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
Our Guiding Principles;
Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
The development of our employees;
A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People's, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Guiding Principles: Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration, and Compassion.

Did You Know: Skagit Valley College is an innovative community college committed to offering inclusive access to educational opportunities, supporting student achievement, and engaging our community. SVC is nationally known for learning communities and support for high impact teaching practices that improve the lives of our students. We are committed to creating student learning experiences that foster equity and diversity to strengthen our local and global communities. We practice a high degree of collaboration among faculty, staff, and administrators to lead initiatives that advance student success and strengthen our increasingly diverse district. We value student and colleague engagement in creating an equitable, diverse, innovative, learning-centered environment.

Skagit Valley College offers:

An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban and urban lifestyles.
Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
Excellent benefits including competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Directing Kitchen Lab and Associated Operations

Provide leadership to the Kitchen Lab and five auxiliary operations: the Backdoor Bakery, Cardinal Cafe, Student Grounds Coffeeshop, Mobile Food Lab, and catering operations;
Hire, train, schedule, manage, and evaluate performance for the Coffee Shop Manager and 6-8 part-time employees;
Adjust schedules quarterly;
Track and approve payroll;
Assure that all operations have sufficient product and that they run efficiently;
Create and manage opening and closing procedures. Oversee usage and maintenance of all facilities, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation guidelines and with best practices in customer service;
Coordinating permitting, inspections, and general relations with the Skagit County Health Department;
Spearheading the work to gather feedback from faculty and staff and coordinate with architects and vendors to plan the new Library/Culinary building and prepare the program for the move;
Coordinating with other SVC units: Facilities, HR, Marketing, Food Pantry, Business Office, etc.;
Assist with data collection needed for American Culinary Foundation accreditation. Serve as a lab aide: cook, bake, and prep when needed.

Purchasing and Sourcing

Work with vendors and place orders based on cost, availability, and sustainability;
Work directly with producers to source local and sustainable products;
Review and modify menus and case options based on available options;
Review inventory and product usage;
Work with faculty and staff to determine program needs and plan upcoming purchases of product, supplies, and equipment;
When needed, shop for and transport hard-to-source products to SVC.

Managing Community Relations

Work with a wide variety of community-based organizations, employers, and other stakeholders;
Identifying and recruiting new members to the Culinary Advisory Committee;
Coordinate and support campus and community events that improve program visibility. This work often requires working in the early mornings, evenings, or weekends.;
Recruit guest speakers for classes and events;
Support efforts to build and sustain employer partnerships to open internship and cooperative education opportunities.

Managing Budgets

Oversee daily cash and credit card reconciliation for all 5 auxiliary enterprises;
Invoice for receivables, issue purchase orders and vouchers for payables;
Track expenditures and revenue;
Create short-term and long-term fiscal plans;
Oversee multiple revenue budgets and state budgets, as well as a Foundation account;
Help faculty apply for equipment funds and grants.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of/and understanding:

Culinary operations;
Purchasing and inventory management;
Budgeting and financial management;
Event coordination and community engagement strategies.

Skills in:

Organizational and operational planning;
Culinary and food preparation;
Communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to:

Develop and implement operational procedures;
Support program development initiatives;
Build and maintain relationships with community partners, vendors, and industry professionals;
Maintain compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, Business/Management, or a related field and three years of leadership in the food service and hospitality industry; OR high school diploma or GED with six years of leadership in the food service and hospitality industry;
Experience hiring, training, coaching, and scheduling employees;
Experience baking and/or cooking professionally;
Documented history of building relationships with vendors, suppliers, and/or community partners;
Budget management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in several different types of establishments-restaurants, bakeries, cafes, coffee shops, fine dining, etc.;
History of leading or co-leading a business, venture, enterprise, franchise, or department, etc., including planning for growth and helping create budget plans;
Experience working in an educational institution, especially a community college;
Familiarity with leading event planning and event management, or the catering of events;
Connections with local farmers and restaurants in the region and/or a strong track record of building and sustaining relationships with producers, professional associations, etc.;
Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field-or equivalent industry experience.

Salary, Benefits, Conditions of Employment, Application Procedure, About SVC

Salary and Benefits:

Annual salary rate for this eleven-month, 100% full-time position is $71,500 - $75,166 annually ($6,500 - $6,833 monthly), depending on experience.
Contracts are written annually for the period of July 1 to June 30. This position will be filled as soon as practical after a candidate is identified and the salary will be pro-rated for the remaining contract period.
This position is exempt from civil service. This position is eligible for overtime.
Salary, retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations and may be subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates. Additional information on benefits can be found at

Application Deadline: Priority screening will begin after April 26, 2026. Applications received on or before this date will receive first consideration. Applications received after the screening date may be considered until the position is filled.

Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted.

Priority Screening Date: April 26, 2026
Interviews with Committee: Week of May 11, 2026
Finalist Interviews: Week of May 18, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: June 2026

Application Procedure:
To be considered for this position, applicants must:

Meet the minimum qualifications and;
Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at that includes the following:
- The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
- A current resume; (Attachment: Resume);
- A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the online application in full and attach the required supplemental documents. Failure to provide this information may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Conditions of Employment:

Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant's current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
Completion of academic degree(s) will be verified through receipt of official transcripts at the time of hire.

Application Assistance: If you have questions about the position or require special accommodation, you may contact Human Resources at (360) 416-7794, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. SVC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may leave a TDD/TTY message at (360) 416-7718 by the application closing date. Information on SVC's Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at OPPM 3040.

For questions regarding the online application system, you may call NEOGOV Applicant Tech Support at (855) 524-5627 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. For best results, apply using one of the following browsers supported by NEOGOV: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and later versions of Internet Explorer.

SVC Annual Security Report: The U.S. Department of Education and the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act require all colleges to provide information to current and prospective students and employees about campus safety policies, procedures, and statistics on certain crimes, including hate crimes, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. We are required to report our campus security information and statistics in an Annual Security Report, which is updated annually each October. All prospective employees may obtain a copy of the Annual Security Report from the Human Resources Office by calling (360) 416-7794 or by accessing the Report at:

Skagit Valley College is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all groups in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices.

Skagit Valley College provides a drug-free environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, age, marital status, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status in its programs and employment. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact Carolyn Tucker, Vice President of Human Resources/EEO, 360.416.7794 or For inquiries regarding sexual misconduct compliance, contact Title IX Coordinator, Sandy Jordan, 360.416.7923 or Mailing address: 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. All faculty and staff hired at Skagit Valley College are encouraged to embrace, continually support, and enhance diversity and equity on our campus and in our community.
Why work at Skagit Valley College?

Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound in the northwest corner of Washington State, Skagit Valley College offers a unique and highly regarded transfer curriculum and professional-technical programs that respond to the workforce needs of the region. The College celebrates diversity in its staff and students, and adheres to a set of guiding principles: respect, integrity, open and honest communication, and collaboration.
Benefits
Skagit Valley College offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes high-value medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents with affordable monthly premiums. Basic life and long-term disability insurances are provided with the option to purchase additional coverage at a low employee cost. Flexible spending account and dependent care assistance programs are also available.
We help you prepare for life after your career by offering an excellent retirement plan, which includes employer contributions. In addition, employees have the option to participate in two tax-deferred retirement investment programs.
Personal and Professional Development
Staff development and personal growth are encouraged at Skagit Valley College. Training opportunities are offered to build employee competencies and develop leadership capacity. A professional development funds program and participation in the State Employee Tuition Waiver program provide further potential for personal and career growth.

A Full Work/Life Package
Pay, benefits, flexibility, and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and out of life.
01

Select from below the options that best describe your highest education attained.

Not applicable.
High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Some college: one (1) to two (2) years of college.
Some college: three (3) to four (4) years or more of college.
Associates degree or equivalent.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Master's degree, or higher degree.

02

Specify the field of study of your highest education attained if applicable, or if further clarification is needed relating to your highest education attained, please describe in the text box below (if not applicable, type "n/a").
03

Select from below the options that best describe your leadership experience in the food service and hospitality industry.

None / not applicable - no relevant experience, or related experience.
1 month to 6 months of experience.
6 months to 11 months of experience.
12 months to 23 months of experience.
24 months to 35 months of experience.
36 months to 47 months of experience.
48 months to 59 months of experience.
60 months or more of experience.

04

In the text box below, describe how you meet this qualification: Leadership experience in the food service and hospitality industry. Responses such as "see resume" or similar may be considered incomplete and result in disqualification.
05

Select from below the options that best describe your experience supervising and training staff.

None / not applicable - no relevant experience, or related experience.
1 month to 6 months of experience.
6 months to 11 months of experience.
12 months to 23 months of experience.
24 months to 35 months of experience.
36 months to 47 months of experience.
48 months to 59 months of experience.
60 months or more of experience.

06

In the text box below, describe how you meet this qualification: Experience supervising and training staff. Responses such as "see resume" or similar may be considered incomplete and result in disqualification.
07

In the text box below, describe how you meet this qualification: Experience developing and maintaining budgets. Responses such as "see resume" or similar may be considered incomplete and result in disqualification.
08

In the text box below, type or paste your response to the following question: Skagit Valley College is committed to promoting the success of diverse students and employees. Describe ways in which you have used your position and privilege to create opportunities for people of diverse social identities (race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability status, etc.) and/or engaged in conversations about diversity. Examples include creating programs, acting as a mentor, developing equity-based curriculum or training, changing institutional policies, engaging diverse communities, etc. Please limit your response to a maximum of two pages equivalent. You do not need to include your response as a separate attachment in addition to typing or pasting it here Responses such as "see resume" or similar may be considered incomplete and result in disqualification.
09

I acknowledge that SVC reserves the right to determine the work modality for each position. The individual selected for this role must reside in Washington State or have the ability to relocate.

Yes, I reside in Washington State or have the ability to relocate.
No, I do not reside in Washington State but I have the ability to relocate.
No, I do not reside in Washington State and do not have the ability to relocate.

10

I acknowledge that I have read the application procedure found in the job announcement. In order to be considered for this position, I understand that I must complete the online application, which includes the names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references, responses to the supplemental questions, and the following documents as attachments:a) A current resume;b) A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position.

I understand the application requirements.

Required Question

About the Company

Skagit Valley College

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