Job Description

Salary $55,331

Assistant Manager – Restaurant

OVERVIEW: The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is currently conducting a recruitment search for the position of Assistant Canteen Chief in Syracuse, NY . This role oversees all aspects of canteen operations, including retail, food service, vending, sales, merchandising, and accountability.

Join us in making a difference for our nation’s Veterans and their caregivers. As an Assistant Canteen Chief, you will help advance our mission by delivering quality goods and services at affordable prices. In this leadership role, you’ll oversee daily operations, ensuring that Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) standards and policies are met while driving a customer-focused, financially sound retail, food, and vending operation.

DUTIES:

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Operations Leadership : Support the daily operations of the Patriot Café, Patriot Retail, and/or Patriot Brew within the VA Medical Center.

Team Supervision & Development : Supervise, train, and support assigned personnel to build a motivated, high-performing team.

  Customer Experience Excellence : Deliver and promote outstanding customer service standards to create a welcoming environment for Veterans, staff, and visitors.

  Food Safety & Quality Assurance : Ensure food quality, sanitation, cleanliness, and product availability to maintain high safety and service standards.

  Regulatory & Standards Compliance : Reinforce consistent adherence to established operational policies, procedures, and quality standards.

  Financial & Resource Management : Assist in managing inventory control, labor costs, and budget performance to optimize efficiency and profitability.

Marketing & Promotions : Develop and implement local promotional programs to increase engagement and drive sales.

  Leadership Accountability : Report directly to the Canteen Chief, providing updates on operations, performance, and compliance.

VCS offers  competitive benefits,  including:

• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Childcare Subsidy Program.
• No nights.
• Major Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance & Life Insurance.
• Vacation & Sick Leave to include 11 (paid) Federal Holidays.
• Federal Retirement, Pension.
• Public Transportation Benefits (Bus Pass).
• Visit us at for more information about the Veterans Canteen Service.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

A current, valid REAL ID is required to work at Veterans Canteen Service.

Management Experience:

• Minimum of 1–2 years of direct food service and/or retail management experience.
• Proven track record of building sales, increasing profits, and developing staff.

Leadership & Service Focus:

• Hands-on leadership style with a strong emphasis on customer service and hospitality.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.) and experienced with POS systems.

Certifications & Credentials:

• ServSafe certification required (or must be obtained within 90 days of hire).
• A current, valid REAL ID is required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.

Education:

• Associate Degree in Business, Hospitality, or Management preferred (not required).

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment. It is a requirement that all HCP receive the annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

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