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JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Animal Sciences, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, at the University of Connecticut, seeks applicants for a full-time UConn Creamery Manager 1 (Dining Services Manager 1). The Creamery Manager will provide effective management of the UConn Creamery, overseeing the production of ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products manufactured for the UConn Dairy Bar and related retail operations. As manager of the dairy manufacturing operation responsible for producing all ice cream sold through the UConn Dairy Bar, this position is responsible for all aspects of Creamery operations, including employee supervision, production planning, product development, food safety and quality assurance programs, HACCP and PCQI compliance, purchasing and inventory control, operational budget monitoring, equipment maintenance, regulatory compliance, and operational reporting. The successful candidate will lead daily manufacturing activities, supervise two full-time employees and student staff, develop new and seasonal product offerings, and ensure the continued success of one of the University's most visible and recognizable public-facing operations. The Creamery Manager will report to the Department Head of Animal Science and will be based on the University of Connecticut's Storrs Campus.

About the UConn Creamery

Established in the early 1900s, the UConn Creamery has remained a cornerstone of the University's agricultural tradition and, through the production of products sold in the UConn Dairy Bar since 1953, continues to be one of UConn's most recognized and beloved public-facing operations. Located within the Department of Animal Science, the Creamery produces all of the ice cream sold through the renowned UConn Dairy Bar using fresh milk from the University's Kellogg Dairy Center. In addition to manufacturing award-winning ice cream and a variety of specialty cheeses, the facility supports dairy foods research, teaching, and outreach activities that advance the University's land-grant mission.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs and oversees daily operations of the UConn Creamery, including the manufacture of ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products for sale through the UConn Dairy Bar and other retail outlets.
• Supervises two full-time employees and assigned student employees, including independent recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Develops and coordinates production schedules to ensure adequate inventory and product availability while maintaining product quality standards and operational efficiency.
• Creates and oversees the development of new ice cream and dairy products, including seasonal offerings, premium and specialty products, monthly featured flavors, and limited-edition products developed in collaboration with University programs, student groups, and other stakeholders.
• Maintains efficient and effective dairy manufacturing and food production operation and ensures safe and sanitary conditions in accordance with applicable federal, state, local, and University standards, laws, policies, and regulations.
• Oversees food safety and quality assurance programs, including HACCP plans, Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) requirements, sanitation programs, product quality monitoring, and other food safety initiatives necessary to maintain regulatory compliance and product integrity.
• Ensures compliance with applicable dairy processing, food manufacturing, licensing, inspection, labeling, and food safety regulations and serves as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies during inspections, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Develops, implements, monitors, and maintains operational procedures, documentation, records, and corrective actions required to support food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Ensures the proper maintenance, repair, and safe operation of Creamery equipment and facilities; troubleshoots operational issues, performs minor repairs, and coordinates preventative maintenance and major repairs as necessary.
• Tracks operational expenditures, production costs, inventory usage, and purchasing activity; develops recommendations to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness and collaborates with departmental fiscal staff on budget management and financial planning.
• Oversee purchasing, receiving, and inventory management of ingredients, packaging materials, equipment, and supplies while ensuring safe and sanitary handling practices.
• Tracks production output, inventory usage, and other operational metrics; maintains records and prepares reports related to food safety, production activities, inspections, inventory, equipment maintenance, personnel administration, and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluates Creamery policies and procedures and recommends and implements improvements to enhance operational effectiveness, product quality, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
• Assists in identifying opportunities for new products, operational efficiencies, customer engagement, and service enhancements to meet evolving business and consumer needs.
• Promotes and markets Creamery products and programs through special events, outreach activities, partnerships, and collaboration with the CAHNR Office of Communications as appropriate.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Dairy Science, Food Science, Food Service Management, Business Management, Operations Management, or a related field and five (5) years of experience in dairy processing, food manufacturing, food production, food service operations, or a closely related environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
2. Experience supervising employees, including assigning work, scheduling staff and monitoring performance.
3. Experience maintaining food safety, sanitation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance standards in food production, dairy processing, food manufacturing, or food service environment.
4. Experience working with HACCP plans, preventive controls programs, or other formal food safety management systems.
5. Experience with inventory management, purchasing, and supply ordering.
6. Experience monitoring operational budgets, costs, inventory utilization, purchasing activity, production metrics, or other operational performance indicators.
7. Experience overseeing the maintenance, repair, and safe operation of food processing equipment.
8. Experience developing, implementing, or improving operational processes, products, or services.
9. Current ServSafe Manager Certification or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience managing dairy processing, creamery, cheese production, ice cream production, or other food manufacturing operations.
2. Experience serving as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI).
3. Experience developing, implementing, or maintaining HACCP plans.
4. Experience with state and federal dairy processing, food manufacturing, licensing, inspection, and compliance requirements.
5. Experience managing regulatory inspections and audits.
6. Experience developing new products, flavors, or specialty food offerings.
7. Experience supervising student employees, seasonal employees, or part-time staff.
8. Experience supporting research, teaching, outreach, or extension activities within an academic environment.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time (100%), permanent, 35-hours per week, 12- month, UCPEA Staff position. This position is located at the University of Connecticut Storrs Campus. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and work experience. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

This position operates in a dairy manufacturing environment and requires regular standing, walking, and lifting of ingredients, supplies, and finished products. The selected candidate must be able to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. The position regularly requires early morning work and may occasionally require evening or weekend hours to support operational needs. Compliance with all food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements is expected.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499774 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Evaluations of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled. Priority will be given to those complete applications received by September 25, 2026. For questions regarding this position, you may reach out to Dr. Dennis D’Amico.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on October 16, 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.