Production Manager

Production Manager

Kirtland Community College| Grayling, 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.

Where everyone has a seat at the table.

About the Role

Creative Dining Services is seeking a Production Manager to join our team at Kirtland Community College in Grayling, Michigan. In this role, you'll oversee kitchen staff, food production, menu planning, and inventory to ensure our guests receive high-quality, nutritious, and consistently prepared meals. You'll play an important role in maintaining food safety standards, managing costs, and supporting the overall success of the dining services operation.

What You’ll Do

• Train, supervise, and manage kitchen staff, including supporting hiring, scheduling, timekeeping, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.
• Oversee daily culinary activities and assist the Executive Chef and Dining Services Director as needed.
• Develop and select recipes, standardize production methods, and maintain consistent food quality, seasoning, presentation, and portioning.
• Plan, cost, and price menus while ensuring meals meet quality, nutritional, and budgetary expectations.
• Manage food purchasing, vendor relationships, inventory, and production forecasting to control costs and minimize waste.
• Monitor food consumption and production volumes, maintain accurate production records, and adjust plans to meet operational needs.
• Establish food quality and presentation standards and participate in Food Committee meetings.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained and work areas remain organized, safe, and sanitary, including compliance with the C.L.E.A.N.Works! program.
• Build positive relationships with guests, clients, team members, vendors, and the community while supporting high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Evaluate kitchen operations and production processes, recommending improvements that support efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

What You’ll Bring

Required:

• At least three years of food service experience.
• ServSafe certification.
• Strong knowledge of food service operations, food preparation, production, and quality standards.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite as well as other culinary software.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Previous management or supervisory experience.
• Experience with kitchen staff development, food purchasing, inventory management, menu planning, and food cost control.

Top Benefits

• Competitive compensation: $40,000 - $50,000 Annually + Bonus opportunities
• Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) Retirement with company match
• Generous PTO policy
• DailyPay earned wage access
• Significant discounts with partner companies
• Access to pet insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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.

Why just work when you can be Creative.