Associate Director of Operations - Dining Services - UTK

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Associate Director of Operations to join our Vol Dining team. This critical role focuses on ensuring the seamless operation of dining facilities while driving innovation and maintaining the highest standards for equipment, cleanliness, and service. As part of Vol Dining, you will play a key role in managing dining operations that serve thousands daily, staying at the forefront of dining trends by implementing cutting-edge solutions, and collaborating with a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional service. If you’re passionate about operational efficiency and campus dining excellence, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact!

As the Associate Director of Operations, you will:

• Oversee equipment inventory, preventative maintenance schedules, and repairs to ensure all systems are fully operational.
• Manage projects related to equipment upgrades, replacements, and facility improvements.
• Ensure janitorial services meet university standards for cleanliness and sanitation across all dining venues.
• Monitor industry trends and dining innovations to identify opportunities for implementation on campus.
• Collaborate with campus partners to align operations with UTK’s mission and values.
• Maintain compliance with safety regulations and university policies while managing budgets effectively.

We are seeking candidates with strong experience in operations management, preferably within food service or facilities management, and expertise in equipment maintenance, repair coordination, and project management. Ideal candidates will have a keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining high cleanliness standards, along with the ability to research and evaluate new dining technologies and trends for potential adoption. Additionally, excellent organizational skills and the capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously are essential for success in this role.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Facilities Management, or a related field, or a minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management, preferably in food service or facilities management.
• Strong project management skills with a proven ability to oversee equipment maintenance and repair coordination.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience implementing innovative dining technologies or sustainability initiatives.
• Familiarity with university or large-scale institutional dining operations.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: 11
• Anticipated hiring range: $75,000-$85,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before 10/15/25.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The Department/Division

The Division of Campus Operations and Real Estate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is dedicated to enhancing the campus experience through exceptional service, strategic planning, and innovative solutions. As part of this division, Vol Dining plays a vital role in supporting the university community by offering diverse, high-quality dining options that cater to the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. With a focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Vol Dining collaborates closely with other units within Campus Operations and Real Estate to ensure seamless integration of services that enrich campus life and align with UTK’s mission of fostering education, innovation, and collaboration.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!