Service Manager (Front of House)

Service Manager

Calvin University | Grand Rapids, MI | Full-Time

About Creative Dining Services

Creative Dining Services is a hospitality and food-service management company headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan. We partner with organizations across the country, including corporate offices, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and senior living communities. Our focus goes beyond providing meals; we create memorable dining experiences, build relationships, and bring people together through hospitality.

About the Role

Creative Dining Services is seeking a Service Manager to lead front-of-house operations at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This is a people-focused leadership role for someone who understands that great hospitality is about more than serving food, it's about creating a welcoming environment where customers feel valued and teams feel supported.

Working alongside the Food Service Director, you'll lead and develop the front-of-house service team, oversee daily service activities, and help ensure every part of the dining experience is welcoming, organized, safe, and consistently aligned with Creative Dining Services standards.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, train, coach, and develop the front-of-house service team, creating a positive and accountable team culture.
• Participate in hiring, scheduling, timekeeping, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes for service staff.
• Under the direction of the Food Service Director, supervise and coordinate daily front-of-house service activities.
• Maintain high standards for customer service, food presentation, cleanliness, organization, and overall dining presentation.
• Ensure menu offerings are communicated clearly and attractively, with appropriate attention to customers' special dietary needs.
• Implement Creative Dining Services marketing initiatives and maintain accurate records and summaries for special events and promotional activities.
• Ensure appropriate levels of service supplies and materials are maintained and available for daily operations and special events.
• Monitor service equipment and ensure it is properly maintained and functioning effectively.
• Build strong, professional relationships with customers, client partners, staff, vendors, and the community.
• Monitor customer satisfaction through surveys, comment cards, and direct feedback, responding to concerns, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in Food Committee meetings and collaborate with the management team to continually improve the dining experience.

• Assist with other aspects of the dining services program as needed and contribute to a collaborative management team.

What You’ll Bring

Required:

• At least three years of management and leadership experience, including experience leading a team of 20 or more employees.
• Experience in food service, hospitality, customer service, or a related environment.
• ServSafe certification.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with customers and team members.
• Demonstrated ability to train, coach, motivate, and hold employees accountable.

Preferred:

• College degree, preferably in Hospitality, Business, or a related field.
• Experience working in a college or university dining environment.
• Experience with special events, marketing initiatives, customer satisfaction programs, or hospitality programming.

Top Benefits

• Competitive compensation: $55,000-$65,000 Annually + Bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 24/7 access to healthcare through TextCare
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous PTO policy
• DailyPay earned wage access
• Tuition reimbursement

• Significant discounts with partner companies
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Why Creative Dining Services?

At Creative Dining Services, we believe hospitality is about more than food—it's about creating connections and making a positive impact on the people and communities we serve. Join a team that values creativity, collaboration, and delivering exceptional experiences.