Pizzaiolo - KU Dining (Ekdahl)

At KU Dining, our mission is to create an unparalleled dining experience for our guests, foster a culture of excellence among our well-trained and empowered staff, and provide inviting spaces that resonate with the warmth of our KU Home. We strive to set a standard beyond nourishment, creating an environment where every meal becomes a highlight of the KU experience.

We employ full-time and part-time employees to serve all the University of Kansas' dining needs. Although this operation is quite large, every job and every person is important. We offer a work-life balance unlike any other in the restaurant industry! Here, you'll take pride in crafting delicious food for KU students living in the dormitories, learn valuable culinary skills, and work with a dedicated team, all while enjoying ample time off. There’s plenty of room to grow professionally, and we can’t wait to talk to you about a career with us!

BENEFITS:

• Paid sick, vacation, and holidays

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

• Retirement plan with 7.5% employer match

• Two months paid parental leave

• Meal Benefits

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Pizzaiolo to join our Residential Dining team at Ekdahl Dining Center (Mrs. E's). The right candidate will have experience hand-tossing dough in a high-volume pizza restaurant and be available to work every Monday through Thursday from 10AM to 8:30PM—meaning NO LATE NIGHTS & NO WEEKENDS!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Food Preparation & Knowledge:

  • Prepares, cooks, and properly stores food following the supervisor's directions and all food safety regulations.

  • Ensures all food safety protocols, including safe handling and storage practices, are strictly adhered to.

• Quality Assurance:

  • Maintains a clean and organized work area, operating under a "clean as you go" approach.

  • Follows recipes precisely to ensure consistency and quality in food preparation.

• Problem-Solving & Safety:

  • Adheres to guidelines for safe food handling, including taking and logging temperatures, using clean and sanitized tools, and practicing good hygiene.

  • Properly stores food by covering, labeling, dating, and placing it in the correct storage areas.

• Customer Service:

  • Delivers exceptional guest experiences by anticipating needs and addressing any issues promptly.

  • Contributes to a positive dining experience that encourages repeat business and favorable reviews.

• Communication:

  • Communicates questions and concerns to assigned supervisor promptly and respectfully.

  • Maintains clear, concise, and professional communication with coworkers, both verbally and in writing.

• Teamwork & Cooperation:

  • Fosters effective relationships with coworkers and customers, maintaining a positive and helpful attitude.

  • Collaborates on group assignments and assists coworkers as needed to ensure tasks are completed successfully.
    

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Versatility:

  • Assists in other work areas or cover different stations as needed, particularly during coworker absences.

  • Participates in stocking and general cleaning tasks to support the overall upkeep of the kitchen and dining areas.

• Customer Interaction:

  • Engages with customers and coworkers in a friendly and professional manner.

  • Report and follow up on any customer concerns with supervisory staff to ensure satisfactory resolutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.

• At least one year of experience in a high-volume, commercial pizza restaurant

• Demonstratable experience hand-tossing pizza dough

• Monday- Thursday, 10AM-8:30PM availability

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous food service experience in a college or institutional setting.

• ServSafe certification.
  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Understanding of materials and methods used in preparing, holding, and serving quality food in a dining area, as well as the use and care of appropriate utensils and equipment.

• Knowledge of health, sanitary, and safety standards and practices as they apply to food service.

• Ability to follow recipes and instructions and to train less-experienced part-time employees effectively.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with a focus on providing excellent customer service.

• Physical ability to meet the demands of food service work, including stooping, bending, extensive walking, standing for long periods, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Application Instructions: To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. An offer of permanent, full-time, benefits-eligible employment is contingent upon completing a 60-day evaluation and a background check. Employees must pass their evaluation/probationary period to remain employed.

The University of Kansas Memorial Unions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the corporation’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by corporate policy.