Job Description

Location: EASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY - WINDHAM, CT
Salary: $55,000 - $65,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO
At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.
We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you.
Job Summary
Eastern Connecticut State University is Connecticut's public liberal arts university, committed to academic excellence, sustainability, and student success. Our Chartwells Higher Ed Dining Services team plays a vital role in campus life-fueling learning, community, and connection through fresh, nutritious, and responsibly sourced meals.
We're seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Food Service Procurement & Inventory Manager to oversee the sourcing, purchasing, and inventory operations that support our campus dining facilities. This role ensures that our kitchens are stocked with high-quality ingredients while maintaining cost-efficiency and compliance with company guidelines.
You'll manage vendor relationships, forecast inventory needs, and implement systems that keep our kitchens humming. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and love turning chaos into order, this is your moment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Procurement Strategy: Develop and execute purchasing plans for food, beverages, and supplies that align with budget and quality standards.
• Vendor Management: Source, evaluate, and maintain relationships with suppliers. Negotiate pricing, terms, and service agreements.
• Inventory Oversight: Monitor stock levels across multiple locations. Implement inventory control systems to minimize waste and optimize turnover.
• Data-Driven Forecasting: Analyze consumption trends and seasonal demand to anticipate needs and prevent shortages or overstock.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all products meet health, safety, and regulatory standards. Maintain accurate records for audits and inspections.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with culinary, finance, and operations teams to align purchasing with menu planning and business goals.
• Technology Integration: Leverage inventory management software and procurement platforms to streamline workflows and reporting.
• Assists in coordinating and participating in the preparation and cooking of various food items.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 3 years of related culinary experience including 1 year at the management level.
• Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or related food service operations.
• Knowledge of food and industry trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, safety, food cost controls, and presentation.
• Ability to set up and distribute production sheets.
• Supervisory, leadership, training, management, and coaching skills.
• ServSafe or Department of Health Certification is preferred.
• Computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products including Excel.
• Associate's degree is Culinary Arts is preferred.

Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!
Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.
Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, for paid time off benefits information
Req ID: 1473360
Chartwells HE
SHARON MCNEELEY
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Skills Required