Retail Dining Manager - Norfolk State University

The Retail Manager at Norfolk State University oversees critical cash operations, managing food and supplies orders, executing menus, and maintaining secure receipt storage. They also play a pivotal role in planning future menus, ensuring financial control over product usage, and implementing safety programs. Working in collaboration with the Food Service Director, the Retail Manager actively supports high client satisfaction, fosters positive associate relations, and helps achieve both company and client financial goals.

• Oversee daily store operations, including staffing and compliance.
• Boost sales, meet targets, and manage inventory effectively.
• Recruit, train, and supervise staff for exceptional service.
• Prioritize customer service and resolve issues promptly.
• Control expenses, manage the budget, and optimize profitability.
• Ensure adherence to policies, laws, and safety regulations.

Physical Requirements – Retail Manager

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (up to 8–10 hours per shift).
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting to perform service and operational duties.
• Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 25–30 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to handle kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and office technology.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced food service environment, including exposure to hot surfaces, sharp objects, and varying temperatures (kitchen, dining room, and storage areas).
• Adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication to interact with team members, guests, and vendors.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

• At least 2 years of management experience at a contract food service account.
• Experience working at a college/university is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Fast-paced, dynamic college dining environment with multiple retail locations.
• Frequently works in both office and food service settings (e.g., kitchens, cafés, serving areas).
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear; and taste or smell. 
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.   
• Frequent use of hands for computer work, documentation, and communication. 

Competitive Benefits: 

• Health/Dental/Vision 
• Paid Time Off 
• 401(k), matched up to 4% 
• Short and Long Term Disability 
• Tuition Reimbursement 

• Employee Referral Program 
• Pet Insurance 
• Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants 
• Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school 

Who We Are: 

Norfolk State University is a historically Black university located in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. Established in 1935, it has a strong commitment to providing accessible and quality higher education to African American students. Norfolk State offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, focusing on academic excellence, research, and preparing students for leadership roles in their communities and beyond.

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.