Operations Assistant - Retail

Job Description

The Operations Assistant supports the daily retail dining operations of Union Café through food and beverage production, customer service, merchandising, operational support, and shift execution. This position plays a key role in maintaining efficient café operations while supporting a fast-paced environment focused on convenience, service quality, and customer satisfaction for students, employees, and campus guests.

The Operations Assistant must be able to work independently, assist with operational decision-making, and help maintain smooth service flow during peak breakfast, lunch, and evening service periods. This position also supports closing responsibilities, food safety standards, inventory organization, and overall café presentation.

This position requires flexible scheduling based on operational needs, including shifts such as:

• 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• 3:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

The Operations Assistant is expected to assist with opening and closing responsibilities while ensuring the café remains clean, stocked, organized, and operationally prepared for service.

Responsibilities

Primary Duties

• Provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced retail dining environment
• Operate POS/register systems accurately and efficiently
• Assist customers with menu questions, meal plan usage, and product recommendations
• Support smooth operational flow during high-volume service periods
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming café environment
• Assist supervisors and managers with operational execution and shift support
• Assist with preparation and stocking of grab-and-go items including salads, wraps, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages
• Support coffee, smoothie, and specialty beverage production during peak service periods
• Monitor food quality, freshness, labeling, and presentation standards
• Maintain proper food handling, storage, sanitation, and HACCP procedures
• Restock refrigeration units, beverage stations, and retail displays throughout service
• Assist with daily operational execution and problem-solving during service
• Demonstrate the ability to make quick, accurate, and professional decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Support and guide student employees while reinforcing operational procedures and customer service standards
• Communicate operational concerns, product shortages, and equipment issues to supervisors promptly
• Help maintain urgency, consistency, and service standards throughout the shift
• Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned
• Ensure proper cleaning, sanitation, and shutdown of equipment
• Complete end-of-day stocking and operational reset tasks
• Assist with inventory organization, receiving, and product rotation
• Help maintain overall operational readiness for the following business day

Secondary Duties

• Other duties as assigned
• Maintain consistent and reliable attendance

Qualifications

Education Required

High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience Required

None

Experience Preferred

• Previous cafe, retail dining, or food service experience
• Basic understanding of food production and food safety procedures
• Experience working in a time-oriented operational environment
• Prior experience assistant with shift execution or student supervision

Skills & Characteristics Required

• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and multitask effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism and accuracy
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time

Special Working Conditions

Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

About Us

Messiah University's commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission "to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society." The university has pursued this vision through a strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program that seeks to equip and enable educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.