Executive Director, Food and Beverage

The University of Toronto (UofT) seeks a deeply engaging leader for the position of Executive Director, Food and Beverage. On several levels, this position represents a remarkable opportunity to lead one of the country’s most innovative food service programs—a program that’s truly on the vanguard of post-secondary food operations.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice-President, Ancillary Services, and working collaboratively with key direct reports (Director of Culinary Operations & Executive Chef, Director of Retail and Residential Dining, and Director of Catering and Event Services), the Executive Director has a broad and complex set of responsibilities in support of the business, operational, and financial affairs of the food and beverage operation on the St. George Campus (areas of oversight include residential dining, restaurant operations and retail, conference centre operations, campus catering, campus’ liquor license, vendor relations, and more). The Executive Director ensures innovative and high-quality service delivery to University of Toronto stakeholders, brings energy, strategic leadership, and deep industry knowledge to the unit, and manages a team of approximately 400 employees.

The individual who will realize success in the role is naturally charismatic, serving as the brand champion and ambassador of the portfolio; fosters a bold and entrepreneurial outlook, striking the right balance between ambitious yet realistic goals; is recognized for their exemplary service orientation, effectively anticipating and responding to the needs of individuals across campus; and, is known for being a highly-respected leader, possessing a solid track record of unifying and galvanizing teams. In addition to being financially astute, the Executive Director has experience in or is capable of navigating the complexities of a highly decentralized, unionized, public-sector environment. A graduate degree (in either business, accounting, or hospitality), or the equivalent combination of education and experience is desirable.

Established by royal charter in 1827, the University of Toronto is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities. The University encompasses 18 Faculties and Schools, more than 100 departments, and 170 research centres and institutes. Its teaching programs are delivered on the historic St. George campus in the heart of Toronto, on campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough, and in nine fully affiliated teaching hospitals. With approximately 20,000 faculty and staff, some 90,000 students, and an annual operating budget of $2.7 billion, the University contributes $15.7 billion to the Canadian economy each year. Additional information can be found on the University’s website: www.utoronto.ca.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities.

Consideration of candidates will commence late October 2019. Nominations and enquiries can be sent to Jason Murray, Laura Brannan, or Erica Ing at uoftedfb@odgersberndtson.com. Interested applicants can use the following link to submit their application (letter of interest and resume):  https://www.odgersberndtson.com/en/careers/16100.