Manager of Food Programs and Services

K-State Olathe is seeking qualified applicants for a Manager of Food Programs and Services which is a full-time, salaried, benefits-eligible position. The Manager of Food Programs and Services initiates, facilitates, and coordinates activities in the research kitchens at K-State Olathe, supporting campus events, K-State research, the Food Innovation Accelerator, and community outreach while ensuring the facility remains in a "research-ready" state This role is essential in advancing research, innovation, and community engagement while ensuring efficient operations and resource management. Key responsibilities include budgeting and strategic planning to maintain financial sustainability, equipment procurement and maintenance, managing supplies inventory, and supervising two departmental positions.

Industry Outreach and Engagement

• Bring food service, processing and distribution sectors into KSUO through:
  
  
  
  • Incubator Kitchen concept with ever growing client base
  • Food Safety education
  • Expertise for industry outside the university
  
  
  
  
• Explore new opportunities through interactions with the food industry in Kansas City, State Agencies, K-State Olathe faculty, and faculty from the Manhattan campus.
• Provide guidance and training to clients of the FIA, insuring safe and efficient operation and production.

Facilities Maintenance

• Ensure kitchen is up to regulatory standards, licensed, and inspected.
• Inspected by KDA restaurant and lodging, KDA processing, and FDA processing
• Equipment and sanitation maintenance
• Assist with event production at K-State Olathe
• Approve and supervise users of the facility to ensure proper use and sanitation practices are followed

Academic Program Support

• Provide support for academic programs including kitchen use, equipment and expertise in food safety, food science and consumer food use.
• Provide support for Sensory and Consumer Research Center during studies.
• Provide culinary expertise and facilities support for academic and research initiatives involving food safety, food science, consumer food use, and other emerging or developed areas aligned with the FIA (which could include product development and value-added food innovation).
• Create and execute non-credit training and professional development courses for food industry professionals.

Internal Program Support

• Provide support for academic programs including kitchen use, equipment and expertise in food safety, food science and consumer food use.
• Provide support for Sensory and Consumer Research Center during studies.
• Provide culinary expertise and facilities support for academic and research initiatives involving food safety, food science, consumer food use, and other emerging or developed areas aligned with the FIA (which could include product development and value-added food innovation).
• Create and execute non-credit training and professional development courses for food industry professionals.

Community Program Support

• Relating science education to food subjects, support for Johnson County Family and Consumer Science (FACS) programs
• Support K-12 Science and Education Partnerships to leverage impact of K-State Olathe opportunities and expertise on K-12 science education in Johnson County and the State of Kansas.

Kansas State University launched the Olathe campus in April 2011, as the third and newest campus of Kansas State University. K-State Olathe is in Johnson County, Kan., which is part of the Greater Kansas City metro area. The campus embodies a unique vision jointly developed with regional community, government, industry, and university stakeholders for higher education partnership in an urban, innovative, industry centric and knowledge-based environment.

The campus is a strategic partner of the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle, which provides dedicated funding through a 1/8-cent sales tax to K-State Olathe and two other educational and research partners. The region has a diversity of industries ranging from trade, transportation, utilities, professional and business services, and health and education. Major companies include Garmin, Merck, John Deere, Burns and McDonnell, and Black & Veatch. In addition, the Olathe campus sits in the middle of the Animal Health Corridor, which stretches from Manhattan, Kan., to Columbia, Mo., and has the highest concentration of animal health and food companies in the world. The $1.2 billion National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) is finishing construction and commissioning at the Manhattan campus adjacent to the K-State Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI), which will further strengthen partnerships, regional growth and economic development.

The Olathe campus has a mandate in research and education and currently offers programs at the master's and doctoral levels in urban foods - horticulture, veterinary biomedical sciences, adult education, school counseling and more. Growth of educational offerings at the campus will continue to evolve to meet workforce and industry demands through a variety of credit and non-credit bearing programs that address technical as well as transferable skills. Faculty and instructors at K-State Olathe represent a combination of resident and non-resident, full and part-time experts, and adjuncts from the industry/government sectors. There also are 10 laboratories in research areas currently ranging from food sciences to post-harvest physiology of fruits/vegetables.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/ benefits.

This position is on-site.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Bachelors in Food Science or related discipline
* 5 years' experience in food production, processing, or culinary production
* Able to supervise staff, delegate tasks effectively, and create a positive work environment.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential for interacting with staff, customers, and other stakeholders.
* Ability to problem solve - able to quickly and effectively address issues that arise, whether they involve customer complaints, staff problems, or operational challenges.
* A strong focus on providing excellent customer service for ensuring customer satisfaction.
* Strong organizational skills. Able to organize and prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and ensure smooth operations.
* Attention to detail to ensure food safety, cleanliness, and adherence to standards.
* Experience in financial management to include budgeting, cost control, and inventory management.
* A thorough understanding of food safety regulations and practices is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of customers.

Other Requirements:

* HACCP trainig and/or certification
* ServSafe Food Handlers certification

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

• A letter of interest
• Resume
• Contact information for three current professional references.

Application materials must be submitted online to be considered. https://careers.k-state.edu/

For questions regarding the position, contact Martin Talavera, Associate Professor, Sensory Analysis and Consumer Behavior and search committee chair at talavera@k-state.edu (913.307.7324). For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Roberta Robinson, Human Resources Manager at robertar@ksu.edu (913.307.7316).

For best consideration, apply by July 14, 2025. Screening of applications will continue until position is filled.

$65,000-$80,000, Salary commensurate with experience.